NGT clears decks for Amit Shah's Yuva Hunkar rally in Jind

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal on Thursday cleared the decks for holding of the 'Yuva Hunkar' rally by BJP chief Amit Shah in Haryana by disposing of a plea seeking reduction in the number of bikes in the rally on pollution grounds.

The mega bike rally is scheduled today in Jind where over one lakh youth bikers are participating along with the BJP President.

A bench headed by Justice Raghuvendra S Rathore passed the order after noting the Haryana state pollution control board's submission that the motorcycles which have valid pollution under control (PUC) certificates would be allowed to participate in rally.

The pollution control board had said that preventive measures including deployment of volunteers have been advised to tackle noise and air pollution in Jind and motorcycles would not to be allowed to enter the rally site and parked at a sufficient distance.

The green panel said that "nothing survives" in the plea after the state pollution control board's assurance but it gave liberty to the petitioner to approach it in future.
"We have heard the parties appearing for the parties and have gone through the documents placed on record. After going through the papers, we are of the opinion that nothing survives in this application for adjudication.

"Therefore, we dispose of this application with liberty to the applicant to take steps in accordance with law if the need arises," the bench said.The NGT was hearing a plea filed by advocate Victor Dhissa who has sought screening and reduction in the number of bikes which were likely to participate in the rally.

Advocate Sumeer Sodhi, appearing for the petitioner, had said that at a time when the entire Delhi-NCR was facing severe health problems due to poor ambient air, the motorbike rally would have an adverse impact on the environment.

The plea had contended that instead of motorcycles, the state government should opt for bicycles or other environment friendly modes of transport for the rally. It would also be beneficial for the health of those riding bicycles, the petition read.

Direct the respondents (authorities) to either reduce the number of motorbikes proposed to be mobilised or use more environment friendly modes and methods, such as bicycles, by foot or e-rickshaws. And constitute a committee to assess the adverse impact that may be caused with regard to air pollution and noise pollution if the proposed rally is taken out, the plea had said.