The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday sought responses from the Union ministries of environment (MoEFCC), power and petroleum on the proposal for shifting all coal-based industries out of Delhi-NCR to ensure better air quality.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi Vipul M Pancholi also decided to consider the suggestion that no new coal-based thermal power plant may be established within 300 kilometres of Delhi.
The bench said it will also examine the issue of vehicular air pollution on March 12 based on the suggestions made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).It asked Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan to issue public notices inviting “suggestions, proposal, recommendations” from all stakeholders, including coal-based industries.
“Notices to be deemed as served by this court. The action taken plan by all States shall give a full description of the notices given in this regard. Notices to mention they have been issued per the directions of this court. Objections to the proposed replacement may be submitted,” it said.