NGT lifts ban on construction in Delhi-NCR; allows trucks to enter the region

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) lifted its ban on construction activities in Delhi-NCR and allowed trucks to enter the national capital. It has asked the authorities to strictly monitor their movement. However, the panel refused to lift its ban on industrial activities causing pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region region. The bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said that all the directions in relation to emissions from industry, burning of waste and crop residue shall continue to be enforced. The tribunal also directed the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to submit their action plan on steps taken to curb pollution within two weeks. It also approved to the construction of the Eastern Peripheral Expressway but said no dust pollution should be caused. The bench said it will hear the Delhi government's second plea on odd-even on Friday.