The bench in its verdict made the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry a party to the matter for necessary compliance.
Further, it implored authorities to continue exploring less polluting heavy-duty vehicles (including CNG/Hybrid/Electric ones), and directed that the recommendations by consultancy firm KPMG regarding parking of vehicles at container depots in NCR be implemented in six months.
It took note of the report and recommendations of the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) formed by it in earlier orders in the case, and passed the following directions:
– After examining recommendations, the Union of India shall formulate a policy of phasing out heavy duty diesel vehicles and replacing them with BSVI vehicles. The Union of India shall formulate appropriate policy on this behalf within six months from today;
– The plan for optimal utilisation of ICDs around Delhi shall be formulated by the appellant within six months from today. In the meanwhile, the appellant will coordinate with all the official agencies to enable the setting up of central laboratories near ICDs around Delhi NCR.
Source: Barandbench
