Calcutta High Court
Kolkata: Calcutta High Court on Sept 21 directed West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) to present a comprehensive roadmap containing specific policies and time-bound measures for controlling air pollution and improving the air quality index (AQI) across the state. A report was directed to be filed on Oct 13 and the matter will be heard on Nov 19.
The state counsel indicated that if the board formulates such policies and makes recommendations to the state, it will respond positively, observing that the proceedings were “not an adversarial litigation”. Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge and Justice Om Narayan Rai, while hearing a PIL filed by advocate Akash Sharma along with the court’s own motion, also directed the board to work on the proposed policies in consultation with experts. The board and state were directed to ensure appropriate measures were taken to curb air pollution by fire crackers during the ensuing festivals. The PIL raised concerns about deterioration of air quality in Kolkata and Howrah, particularly during winter. It sought a coordinated and institutional mechanism for monitoring and responding to episodes of poor air quality.
Because the court has not confined the issue to measurement of AQI or isolated episodes of pollution, “The proceedings are significant. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in Kolkata Stay updated with the latest Kolkata news.
The direction calls upon the statutory pollution-control authority to formulate specific policies, involve technical experts and authorities, and place a time-bound implementation roadmap before the court,” Sharma said. Download the TOI App.