Crack down on polluting diesel vehicles: PIL

Chennai: A PIL filed in the Madras high court has sought crackdown on diesel vehicles in Chennai, and seize them in case they fail pollution check.
The PIL, filed by Y Akbar Ahmed, also wanted heavy fine to be imposed on owners of polluting diesel vehicles.
Among other issues the PIL raised was a request to the Chennai Corporation to remove garbage kept in trolleys and close them to avoid environmental pollution, and to take action against people who litter roads with debris.
The petitioner also raised the issue of inadequate number of ambient air quality monitoring stations.
The first bench, before which the matter came up for hearing, has asked the corporation to consider the suggestions of the petitioner.
"We are of the view that the authorities may examine the feasibility of setting up of more such monitoring stations keeping in mind the different areas covered by the Chennai corporation and communicate the decision to the petitioner within 3 months," it said.
Blaming the negligence and lack of proper pollution watch and surveillance by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) personnel for poor environment, smoke, dust and garbage in the city, the petitioner wanted the court to direct the TNPCB to conduct air, environment and noise pollution check in Triplicane, Anna Salai, Mylapore, Guindy, Pallavaram and other areas already not covered by the eight ambient air quality monitoring stations.
Ahmed said he had sent a representation to the TNPCB stating that vehicles including lorries, buses vans and cars running on diesel emit smoke that pollute the natural air to be inhaled by people.
Noting that polluting vehicles are harmful and dangerous to humans, he wanted the Board to crack down on such diesel vehicles.