M C MEHTA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition was filed in 1985. More than a decade has gone by. Various aspects for improvement of environment were highlighted in the petition including the one relating to proper management and control of traffic in the National Capital Region and the National Capital Territory of Delhi with a view to ensure adequate safeguards necessary for public safety. Besides this, vehicular pollution was also highlighted and the need for remedial steps canvassed to take care of the chaotic traffic conditions which have given rise to road accidents resulting in death and bodily injury to the citizens. To control vehicular pollution and protect environment is primarily the function of the executive. It is their obligation to devise suitable measures and provide machinery for rigid enforcement of such measures as are necessary to curb the menace of chaotic traffic conditions and vehicular pollution with a view to ensure the welfare of general public. The inaction on the part of the executive, however, impelled this Court to issue certain directions from time to time in this writ petition, but precious little appears to have been done despite those directions. Before we consider the question of holding somebody responsible and accountable, we consider it appropriate to repeat some of the directions which had been issued on November 20, 1997 and on subsequent dates and direct their strict compliance. We direct:

(2.) We direct the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the Delhi Government to take all necessary steps to ensure that (1) bus lanes are segregated and road markings are provided on all such roads as are identified by the police and the transport authority. This exercise shall be done by the concerned within four weeks from today; and (ii) take steps to have appropriate bus stops constructed, appropriate markings painted and bus-bays built at such places as may be indicated by the transport/police authorities. This exercise shall commence within two weeks from the date of this order and be completed within six weeks thereafter.

(3.) Learned Solicitor General shall file a Status report detailing the action taken with regard to various directions issued by this Court on 20th November, 1997; 16th December, 1997; 28th July, 1998 and subsequently. The needful shall be done on the affidavit of a responsible officer within eight weeks.