New Delhi, 23 February (HS): The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from Union Ministries on a proposal to shift coal-based industries out of the Delhi-NCR region in a bid to improve air quality.

The matter was heard by a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The court asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Power to respond to suggestions that no new coal-based thermal power plants be set up within a 300-kilometre radius of Delhi.

The bench also directed the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan to issue public notices inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders, including coal-based industries operating in the NCR.

The court asked the three Union Ministries to submit a joint proposal aimed at phasing out coal-based industries in the region. It said the proposal should identify the industries concerned and examine alternative fuel options that could be provided to them.

The bench further stated that it would take up issues related to vehicular pollution and construction dust on March 12, based on recommendations made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). It sought responses from stakeholders on measures suggested by the CAQM to address dust generated by construction and demolition activities.

The court directed the Government of NCT of Delhi to submit a specific action plan for implementing the long-term solutions recommended by the CAQM. It asked all stakeholders to file status reports and proposals before the next hearing scheduled for March 12.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar