HOWRAH GANATANTRIK NAGARIK SAMITY Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) MR. Datta has placed on the record a supplementary affidavit on behalf of the petitioner affirmed on 15th July, 2008. In this affidavit it has been stated that the emissions from the two-stroke engine are much higher than that from four-stroke engine. However, the three wheelers in the city are fitted with only two-stroke engine. Considering the tremendous environmental hazards from three wheelers, different cities of the country have converted to eco-friendly modes by using L. P. G. or c. N. G. However, the auto-rickshaws, the engines of which have been found unsuitable for conversion in various cities like Delhi, mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Baroda have migrated to other cities of the country including Kolkata. This, therefore, has added to an already existing emergent pollution control problem. It is also stated that most of the auto-rickshaws which have migrated from other cities are over 15 years of age as they have been banned in the cities mentioned above. It is submitted that the Supreme Court in such circumstances had recommended the use of c. N. G. as a permanent solution. The Government has also been directed by the Supreme Court as well as by some other High Courts to constitute monitoring committees consisting of different segments of the Government as well as the Society to ensure that the remedial measures taken by the government are made effective. It is brought to our notice that the governmenthad in fact issued a notification on 4th March, 2008 in which it is clearly noticed that the automobile pollution is a major source of air pollution. In this notification the earlier orders passed by this Court in CAN 233 of 2004 in w. P. 2125 (W) of 2001 have also been noticed. Thereafter certain directions have been issued with regard to the control of pollution. However, subsequently by another notification dated 29th May, 2008 the aforesaid notification has been kept in abeyance until further orders.

(2.) LEARNED Advocate General and Mr. Kallol Basu has, however, brought to our notice that the State Government as well as the West Bengal pollution Control Board are taking active steps to somehow reduce the pollution in Kolkata City, if not bring it under total control. To this effect the Government in consultation with the West Bengal Pollution Control board and in terms of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution)Act, 1981 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has issued another Notification dated 17th July, 2008. In this notification the following directions have been issued :

(3.) THE aforesaid contents of the Notification clearly show that a decision has been taken to phase out the transport vehicles which are fifteen years old or more. The last date fixed for phasing out of the vehicles is 31st march, 2009. The Notification also provides that auto rick shaws plying within the Kolkata Municipal Area would be converted into LPG or CNG mode by 31st March, 2009. The menace of unauthorized autos being plied is also sought to be addressed by providing that the police authorities should take effective steps to prevent the plying of unauthorized auto-rickshaws. The Notification also provides that alternative green fuel should also be introduced and along with necessary improvement of fuel should be done. Necessary steps have also been directed to be taken for reduction of sulphur content of diesel and benzene content of petrol. These are sought to be brought at par with the Auto fuel Policy of the Government of India. The oil companies have also been issued necessary directions to arrange for adequate fuelling centre for LPG and CNG. A mandatory direction has also been issued to stop the registration of the two-stroke engines by the Motor Vehicles Department. Further direction has also been issued that such auto-rickshaws should be phased out completely by December, 2008. The police authorities have also been directed to implement the aforesaid directions.