Seeking suggestions on better implementation of its order on diesel vehicles in Delhi, the National Green Tribunal has stayed for 2 weeks its order to impound diesel vehicles more than 10 years old plying in the national capital.

The tribunal has sought suggestions from Delhi government on implementation of its order by May 1. A threat of strike by transport vehicles supply various essential commodities looms large over the national capital. The truckers have decided to stop transporting goods from Monday midnight if the authorities continue to seize old diesel vehicles at the border.

Last Monday, the NGT had held that all diesel vehicles which are more than 10 years old will not be permitted to ply in Delhi. Terming that diesel fuel was prime source of air pollution in Delhi, the tribunal said the situation was alarming and that people were told to leave Delhi due to adverse effects on health.

A five-member bench, headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar, said that while such vehicles would be phased out in Delhi, those coming from other states would not be allowed to enter the city.

The tribunal had directed the transport department of Delhi government and other concerned authorities to prepare a comprehensive data of registration of all such vehicles which are 10 or more years old.

Slamming the authorities for not complying with its orders of November 26, 28 and December 4 last year to better the air quality standards of the capital, it said "authorities have not even initiated action for compliance. “

“Due to the increasing pollutants of air, the life of residents of NCR Delhi is becoming more vulnerable to various diseases and the greatest sufferers are young children," the tribunal said.