An application has been filed by S. K. Goyal for compliance of Tribunal order dated 04.10.2017, whereby the Tribunal, on consideration of pollution caused by operation of locomotive engines by the Railways, directed that the guidelines containing locomotive standards, be put up on the website of CPCB and expeditious efforts be made by all the stakeholders including MoEF&CC, CPCB and the concerned Ministry to approve the final parameters for locomotive engines after completing the study and then to notify the same.
The Tribunal on 11.08.2020 while hearing the application observed that “… even though more than three years have passed, the standards have still not been finalized without any valid justification. Such unexplained delay and apathy can hardly be conducive to the Rule of Law. It also adversely affects the environment and the public health.”
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The Tribunal opined that the MoEF&CC will be the nodal agency for coordination and compliance and the Secretary, MoEF&CC may nominate a Joint Secretary for the purpose so that accountability can be fixed to avoid any further delay and listed the matter on 05.02.2021 for further hearing.
NGT-orderIndia Legal Bureau