2 min readNew DelhiJan 20, 2015 04:21 AM IST
First published on: Jan 20, 2015 at 04:21 AM IST
The National Green Tribunal on Monday ordered “complete prohibition of parking of any cars on the metalled roads” of Delhi, imposing a fine of Rs 1,000 for any violation.
Directing the Delhi Traffic Police, SHOs and concerned municipal bodies to ensure strict compliance, the NGT bench said: “There will be complete prohibition of parking of any cars on the metalled roads, and the corporation would take strict action against the persons who violate it. This shall include payment of Rs 1,000 per car on account of compensation for degradation of environment and its restoration.”
Officials said that by definition, all roads which have a solid layer of coal tar are metalled roads.
The municipal corporations already have a rule banning parking on Delhi’s footpaths — vehicles are fined by their weight. “The latest order will be implemented as per rule on all roads that come under the jurisdiction of the corporation — ie 60 feet wide and less,” said North MCD spokesperson Yogendra Mann.
Referring to a report on the ambient air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) — which stated that barring sulphur dioxide, all other parameters were found to be much higher than the prescribed norms — the NGT noted: “It is clear that ambient air quality in Delhi NCR is highly polluted… drastic measures need to be taken if the residents of NCR Delhi are to be protected against health hazards arising from air pollution”.
While the matter has been listed for February 25, the NGT directed the municipal corporations to submit a “complete and comprehensive report” with regard to the markets at Lajpat Nagar and Karol Bagh “which have been taken to be pilot projects”.
The NGT directed the municipal corporations, DDA and the Delhi Government to hold a meeting before the next date of hearing and identify places where multi-level parking facilities can be constructed.
When contacted, a senior traffic police officer said: “The order has not reached us yet. However, we shall look into the matter and take the necessary steps once it reaches us. There are many factors to be taken into account, including arranging alternate space where the cars can be kept.”
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