Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Relocating Coal Units From Capital
Bench to examine proposal for 300-km no new plant zone and wider anti-pollution measures
New Delhi, Feb. 24: The Supreme Court of India on Monday directed the Union ministries of environment, power and petroleum to respond to a proposal seeking relocation of coal based industries from the Delhi-NCR region to improve air quality.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, said it would also examine a suggestion to prohibit establishment of new coal-fired thermal power plants within a 300-kilometre radius of the national capital.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 12.
Directions to States and Stakeholders
The court instructed Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan to issue public notices inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders, including operators of coal-dependent facilities. It clarified that the notices would be deemed officially served under judicial directions and asked the States to submit detailed action-taken reports outlining responses received.
Status reports from all concerned authorities have been sought before the next hearing, particularly on recommendations made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Phased Anti-Pollution Strategy
The Bench emphasised long-term interventions proposed by the CAQM, to be introduced in stages. These include tackling vehicular emissions, controlling dust from construction and demolition activities, regulating industrial pollution, monitoring emissions from thermal plants, curbing paddy stubble burning and enhancing plantation drives across NCR.
The court also took note of the regulator’s suggestions concerning prevention of farm residue burning and directed stakeholders to implement the recommended measures in a time-bound, phased manner.
The proceedings form part of the apex court’s continuing efforts to address chronic air pollution in and around the national capital.
