In response to increasing air quality concerns, the Patna High Court has requested comprehensive information on the officials and departments tasked with implementing air pollution regulations, particularly the limitations on older diesel vehicles.
Patna: Expressing concern over the rising air quality index (AQI) in the state capital and its surrounding suburbs, the Patna high court on Thursday asked the state govt and its pollution control wing to furnish details of officers and agencies deputed to implement air pollution control norms, including restrictions on plying diesel vehicles aged 15 years and above.A division bench comprising chief justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and justice Alok Kumar Sinha, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) instituted suo motu on a Dec 14, 2022 TOI news report titled “Bihar’s 10 cities record country’s worst AQI”, also sought an updated action taken report (ATR) from the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB).The report had stated that 10 cities in Bihar recorded AQI levels above 400 with Darbhanga reporting 473 while New Delhi recorded 174 on the same day.
Taking judicial notice of the report, a bench comprising the then chief justice and justice Partha Sarthy commenced hearing on Dec 15, 2022.BSPCB counsel Abhineet Prakash informed the court that an interim study report on causes and remedial measures for rising AQI in Bihar has been tabled and is awaiting board approval. The report identified road dust and vehicular emissions as two major contributors to rising pollution in Patna and adjoining suburbs.
The judges observed, “Though plying of diesel vehicles aged 15 years and more have been restricted by state directives yet the same does not seem to have been implemented in true letter and spirit.”At around 12.10pm on Thursday, the bench sought the prevailing AQI of Patna, which was found to be 209. Terming it seriously poor air quality for more than 10 lakh residents, the court directed authorities to submit a report on implementation of pollution control norms.The court also appointed advocate Amish, assisting counsel to Advocate General P K Shahi, as amicus curiae. The matter will be heard again on March 13.
