India's NGT orders states to implement CNG to ease air pollution
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has warned that state transport may be halted in four northern states if they do not introduce compressed natural gas (CNG). The tribunal has said that 50% of pollution in the area is due to fine particulate matter originating from Delhi’s neighbouring states, and that the air quality is worsening. The organisation had asked the governments in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to consider installing CNG stations and refusing the right to use older diesel vehicles in the area. Delhi is currently deregistering all diesel-powered vehicles that are more than ten years old.
New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal today warned of halting state transport in four northern states if they did not introduce CNG, saying most particulate matters in the air inhaled by Delhi'ites emanated from there.

"What have you done with regard to introduction of CNG stations in your areas? What are you doing about this? We had asked you to submit your response on the issue. What have you done on this?

"I am being told that over 50 percent of pollution in Delhi is caused by fine particulate matter which originates from neighbouring states. The air quality in Delhi is getting worse. You should take every measure to introduce CNG stations in your states. If you don't introduce CNG in you state, we will stop your state transport," a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice SwatanterKumar said.

The observations came during the hearing of a case filed by Vardhaman Kaushik on the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

The Tribunal directed senior officials from states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, besides officers of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, to appear before it on October 19, the next date of hearing.

The NGT in September had asked Uttar Pradesh and Haryana government to mull over the possibility of installing CNG stations in NCR while refusing to grant permission to over 10- year old diesel vehicles to ply in these areas.

On July 18, the green panel had directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to cancel the registration of all diesel-powered vehicles which are more than 10 years old.

After de-registration, the authorities will issue public notice in this regard and supply the list of such vehicles to the traffic police to take appropriate steps in consonance with directions of tribunal, it had said.