On Friday the Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by the Government of Delhi against the center, seeking directions for closing almost 10 thermal power plants in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, alleging them as causing air pollution in the National Capital of India.
This Delhi government PIL sought to subdue an order passed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to all these thermal power plants extending their deadline to install the flue gas desulphurization. It also stated a direction towards the center to install FTD devices in power plants in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab which contribute majorly to air pollution in the national capital of the country.
The bench consisting of justices R S Reddy and Navin Sinha said that they have many questions to ask the Government of Delhi and that if they are able to ask all the questions, they do not know which way the case might move. They further urged the Government of Delhi to intervene in the already pending matters.
Appearing from the Delhi government, senior advocate Collin Gonsalves said that MoEFCC has laid out the new standards for controlling air pollution which was to be done by the end of 2017. A report from IIT Kanpur shows that the air pollution in Delhi is increasing due to these power plants from all the sides.
In a radius of approximately 300 km, there are 30 power plants that bring particulate matter which are major contributors to SO2 and other deadlier matters. Adding to this he said that these plants should be closed until they install the FGD (Fuel Gas Desulphurisation) device.
After the Delhi Government Advocate Colin Gonsalves had pressed to issue a notice, the Supreme Court bench replied by saying that they are not doing that one and will be drawing this and also mentioned that they are doing this as a part of a pending matter.
Lastly, Sinha from the Supreme Court bench added that seeking for a writ of Mandamus for closing down all 10 power plants the Delhi advocates feelings were completely missing out on the aspect that for closure of all the 10 power plants using a writ of mandamus without mentioning is a contrary rule for issuing a writ. In conclusion, the petition was dismissed on the bench.