Harpal Singh Rana vs Govt. Of NCT of Delhi & Ors

The grievance of the applicant in the present letter petition is regarding environmental pollution in National Capital Delhi and the applicant has given his suggestions for abatement of the same.

The applicant has submitted in the application that the environmental pollution in Delhi has assumed dangerous proportions. One of the main causes of environmental pollution in Delhi is vehicular emission contributing about 23 % of the same. Huge quantity of goods, fruits, vegetables etc., more than that consumed in Delhi is transported first to Delhi and then out of Delhi which results in unnecessary flux of vehicles in Delhi. The applicant has made detailed suggestions and has prayed for taking of requisite steps for prohibiting entry in Delhi of vehicles carrying goods, fruits, vegetables etc., for areas other than Delhi and diverting the same. The applicant has also submitted that he made representations to Government of NCT of Delhi, CPCB, DPCC and Urban Development Department but no action has been taken on the same.

On the previous date the applicant had sought adjournment for filing additional documents and the applicant was given four weeks time for filling of additional documents but no additional documents have been filed by the applicant.

We have heard the applicant and gone through the application and documents attached with the same.

In the present case the applicant has made general and vague averments regarding his own perception of causes of environmental pollution in Delhi and given general and vague suggestions for abatement of the same. The averments made in the application are not supported by any documents/ statistical information/scientific data. Even as per his own perception of the problem of environmental pollution, the applicant has also not given the requisite details regarding the consumption requirements in Delhi, the quantity transported in excess and the violations contributing to environmental pollution and has not impleaded the concerned violators who are transporting excess goods, fruits and vegetables, etc. to and fro Delhi.

While there has to be strict implementation of the environmental norms, rules and regulations and all requisite steps have to be taken for protecting and improving environment and abating environmental pollution, yet grievances of the applicants can be redressed only when the requisite details are disclosed and in the absence thereof no directions can be issued by this Tribunal in the matter.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and this Tribunal have from time to time issued directions in number of cases for taking of remedial measures for improvement and protection of environment in Delhi. A Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas has also been setup. Even some public interest litigation petitions are pending before Hon’ble Supreme Court and this Tribunal seeking issuance of appropriate directions for protection and improvement of environment and abatement of environmental pollution.

In view of the above, we are of the considered view that no intervention order is required to be passed by this Tribunal on the present application which is disposed of accordingly.