The Supreme Court has ordered the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for informing the Court about the steps taken to curb air pollution around the National Capital Region.
The Bench comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, while hearing bunch of petitions concerning air pollution, said that amicus curiae in the case (Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh) had raised serious problem of air pollution with winters approaching and burning of crop.
The amicus submitted that the matter was before CAQM. The bench then called upon the CAQM to submit urgently a report as to the steps taken for air pollution in and around the capital.
The matter has however been listed for October 31. At present, the matter before the Court is that of the allocation of quantities of raw pet coke (RPC), which is the residue from the refining of petroleum products and sand crude as well as other heavy oils.
The use of RPC is cheaper and it burns hotter than coal making it a good choice as a fuel. Some tests have been conducted to find the effect of RPC, which prove that it has extremely harmful effects on the atmosphere along with injurious particulate material.
The Bench said it is nearly impossible for them to monitor and see the RPC quotas for different industries.
The court took to record the suggestion of the Amicus Curiae saying that the CAQM should look into the matter again and check on the availability of RPC in the country.
The Court also said the distribution of RPC available in the country along with that which has been imported should be done with caution so that industries do not suffer and the atmosphere also does not get polluted.
The Court ordered to give these duties to the CAQM asking them to do justice to it.