Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Anubhav Kumar Vs Union of India & Others dated 14/08/2019 regarding air pollution affecting the environment in and around the areas Rani Bagh, Shakurbasti, Raja Park, Punjabi Bagh, Srinagar, Madipur near Shakurbasti Railway Station in Delhi on account of unscientific manner in which loading/unloading of cement is being undertaken.

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A factual and action taken report was sought from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the Station Superintendent/Terminal Manager (CRWC), Cement Siding at Shakurbasti Railway Station and the Chief Goods Supervisor, Cement Siding at Shakurbasti Railway Station. The DPCC has found that the loading and reloading was being done manually causing emissions. Significant dust was found deposited on the floors. sweeping was being done manually and labourers and handlers are exposed to dust. As regards warehouses, out of two warehouses, one was covered from the top and other was partly covered and partly opened. Sweeping of roads was very poor. No measures were taken for suppression of dust. Road condition was poor. DPCC also issued directions to the Northern Railways to explore possibility of handling cement bags by mechanical means. A report was also received from the Chief Goods Supervisor, Cement Siding of the Railway Station to the effect that sheds are damaged in absence of basic amenities at Platform No. 1 but at platform nos. 2 and 3 covered warehouses with full amenities are available. The CRWC has denied the allegations and stated that its warehouses are fully covered.

The NGT after hearing all the parties was of the view that an independent Expert Committee needs to go into the issue and suggest remedial measures and orders for the constitution of a four member Committee and the Member Secretary, CPCB would be nodal officer for coordination and compliance. The Committee has been directed to submit its report within three months and has to report on the ambient air quality, carrying capacity and the health impact and also suggest remedial measures. The CRWC and the Railway Administration has been asked to implement the measures put forward by the DPCC.