Extending much-needed relief to residents of Lajpat Nagar, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to take immediate measures to control air pollution in an area of the locality.

The SDMC, which was impleaded as a respondent in the case filed by Kasturba Niketan Complex Social Welfare Association, was asked to file a status report in the matter by July 22 when the matter will come up for further hearing.

An NGT Bench headed by Justice P. Jyothimani gave the directions while hearing the petition, which has sought orders to the Delhi Government and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to refrain from using the land in front of the complex for parking, saying it causes air pollution. The Bench has directed the SDMC to take immediate steps to “ensure that no dust comes out and air pollution is prevented.”

The DUSIB has been running a parking facility in the area since the National Green Tribunal asked it to arrange a temporary parking space to decongest roads to reduce vehicular emission. However, the land for constructing a multi-level parking facility in Lajpat Nagar is yet to be identified.

The Tribunal has asked the SDMC to refrain from using the land in front of the Kasturba Niketan Complex Social Welfare Association saying it causes air pollution