New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has put a ban on the plying of petrol and diesel vehicles older than 15 years, a move likely to take an estimated 10 lakh vehicles off the road.
These vehicles would be now seized by authorities as per the Motor Vehicle (MV) Act.
The tribunal also asked the Regional Transport Office (RTO) not to renew or issue registration for such vehicles or provide fitness certificates, besides stating that if such vehicle if found parked in a public area, it would be challaned.
NGT, which has the powers of a civil court, also barred burning of waste in the open.
The tribunal sought immediate steps for building cycle tracks in the city and asked authorities to probe the possibility of installing air purifiers at marketplaces.
It also ordered stricter vigil on overloaded trucks entering the city.
The NGT further said that any person will have the right to approach directly the tribunal, police to complain about open burning of plastics, leaves and other materials which can result in air pollution.
It also directed the Delhi government to create a web portal where public can upload pictures of any such violations.
The orders were issued by a bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar, with expert members DK Agarwal and AR Yousuf, in response to a petition filed early this year on Delhi's air pollution by Vardhaman Kaushik.
