Green tribunal refuses to review order directing CPCB to monitor GRAP

NEW DELHI: National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday refused to review its order that directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to monitor the implementation of the graded response action plan (GRAP) to combat different levels of air pollution. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said the tribunal did not intend to supersede or replace the procedure laid down in the Environment Pollution Control Authority's (EPCA) Notification.

It said the directions were meant to supplement the GRAP as an effective additional mechanism for compliance of its directions. "Review has been sought on the ground that... the order is contrary to the Policy of the GRAP notified by the Environment Ministry by Notification dated January 12, 2017, whereby task of implementation of GRAP for Delhi-NCR, has been vested in the EPCA. This policy, as per the applicant, was also approved by the Supreme Court," the bench said.

"The tribunal had clearly expressed that the direction for monitoring by the CPCB was in respect of the directions issued in the order dated December 18, 2017, and was not intended to supplant the procedure laid down in the EPCA Notification ... For the aforesaid reason, we do not find any merit in the review application and is accordingly dismissed," it added.

The tribunal was hearing a plea seeking review of its July 27, 2018 order.