Image Credit: Ne0Freedom
In a major move the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested a report from the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB). A recent hearing, saw a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel form a committee on the subject. This committee, comprising of GDA and UPPCB members is seeking a report on a plea filed by a retired judge and others.
The plea filed by Justice (retired) A K Roopanwal and others cited that the Presidium School and the Indira Habitat Centre were creating both noise and air pollution by using diesel generation sets in violation of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Air pollution in Ghaziabad is typically high, having a detrimental effect on the people living in the area. India has enacted Emissions standard that equate to Euro 6 for all 4 wheeled vehicles from April 2020. While commendable the action will not do anything in the short term to reduce the pollution seen in many of the most populous cities.
It is unclear if the generators in question have any emissions reduction attached to them as the legislation historically allowed fuel optimised units to be installed, which give out the highest amount of airborne pollution.
The case progression will be watched with interest to see the final sanctions, people planning to use diesel generators in India should pay attention and ensure they meet or exceed the emissions legislation as set or find other sources of power to remove or reduce the need for diesel generators, except for standby use. its clear that while India has a problem with pollution, the government and its citizens are determined to take action.
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