Coming to rescue of the residents of Lajpat Nagar here, the National Green Tribunal has directed South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to take immediate steps to control air pollution in an area in the locality.

A bench headed by P. Jyothimani, which impleaded SDMC in the case, directed it to file a status report while posting the matter for next hearing on July 22. The order came while hearing a plea by Kasturba Niketan Complex Social Welfare Association which has sought a direction to restrain the city government and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) from using the land in front of the complex for parking purposes as it causes air pollution.

It had also sought a direction to “immediately construct a reinforced cement concrete (RCC) flooring in the entire dust-laden land situated in front of Kasturba Niketan Complex, Lajpat Nagar-II.

The bench said, “We direct the newly impleaded respondent — South Delhi Municipal Corporation — to take immediate steps for the purpose of cleaning the area and ensure that no dust comes out and the air pollution is prevented...”

The green panel had earlier issued notice to the Delhi government and DUSIB against the operation of a parking lot in front of the complex in Lajpat Nagar.

DUSIB is managing the parking, which can accommodate nearly 550 cars, in the area, after the tribunal asked it to arrange a temporary parking space to decongest roads in order to reduce vehicular emission.

SDMC is yet to identify land for building a multi-level parking facility in Lajpat Nagar area.

“The distance between the houses of Kasturba Niketan Complex and parking land is hardly 10 feet and as a result even a slight movement of vehicles causes dust storm. “Due to the continuous movement of vehicles, there is layer of dust deposited on the outer walls of the houses,” the plea had said.