National Green Tribunal
Tribunal On Its Own Motion In Re Ozone ... vs State Of West Bengal And Others on 16 December, 2021
Item No. 01 Court No.1
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
EASTERN ZONE BENCH, KOLKATA
(Through Video Conferencing)
Original Application No. 121/2021/EZ
Tribunal on its Own Motion
Re: Ozone Spike in Kolkata Applicant(s)
Versus
State of West Bengal & Ors. Respondent(s)
Date of hearing: 16.12.2021
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE B. AMIT STHALEKAR, JUDICIAL MEMBER
HON'BLE MR. SAIBAL DASGUPTA, EXPERT MEMBER
For Applicant(s) :Suo Motu
For Respondent(s) :
ORDER
1. This matter has been placed before us in a respect of News Item published in 'The Times of India' on 13.12.2021 with the heading "Ozone spike in Kolkata raises concern".
2. The news report highlights that the Ozone count in Central Kolkata was 60% more than the safe levels, raising concerns about public health and threat it poses to the iconic Victoria Memorial. The eight-hour average was 160 mg/cubic meter in the Victoria Memorial area on Sunday, as per the West Bengal Pollution Control Board. The eight-hour average of Ozone should not exceed 100 mg/cubic meter, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
3. In view of this article, we find that serious issues arise regarding the air pollution and the threat to the environment as well as threat to the residents of Kolkata and the area due to spurt in the Ozone levels in the city.
4. We are of the view that the matter should be examined by the West Bengal Pollution Control and Central Pollution Control Board.
5. We, therefore, constitute a committee comprising of the following members:
1
i. Senior Scientist from West Bengal Pollution Control Board; ii. Senior Scientist from Central Pollution Control Board, Regional Office, Kolkata
6. The West Bengal Pollution Control Board shall act as the nodal office for all logistic purposes.
7. The Committee shall examine the air quality contents of the article and suggest remedial measures of a permanent nature.
8. The Committee shall submit its report within 15 days considering the short span of winter in Kolkata.
9. List on 06.01.2022.
..................................... B. Amit Sthalekar, JM ................................... Saibal Dasgupta, EM December 16, 2021 Original Application No. 121/2021/EZ MN 2