The IIT Mumbai had submitted its proposal in January this 12 months (File)
New Delhi:
The Supreme Court Tuesday requested the Centre to execute inside per week the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for set up of ”smog tower” at Anand Vihar in east Delhi, which might assist in combating the menace of air air pollution.
Smog towers are constructions designed as large-scale air purifiers to scale back air air pollution.
A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra took critical observe of the truth that MoU with IIT Mumbai for set up of smog tower has not been executed but regardless of its orders handed in January this 12 months.
An advocate, who appeared within the matter, mentioned that the courtroom has requested the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to execute the MoU inside seven days on this regard.
In a joint affidavit filed within the prime courtroom, the MoEF&CC and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) gave particulars of the present standing of labor with regard to set up of smog tower.
The affidavit mentioned that the Centre is taking “all possible steps at the highest level to mitigate and contain the present surge in air pollution”.
It alleged that MoU has not been finalised as IIT Mumbai has not agreed to take duty of general coordination of the challenge and verification of works to be carried out by Tata Projects Limited, which has been concerned by IIT Mumbai for development, operation and upkeep of smog tower.
It mentioned that in January this 12 months, the IIT Mumbai had submitted its proposal titled ‘pilot research for evaluation of lowering air air pollution in city space through the use of medium scale cleansing system”.
The affidavit mentioned officers from IIT Mumbai and Tata Projects Ltd had carried out a web site go to on February 11.
It mentioned after the positioning go to, a draft MoU was ready by CPCB and it was additionally mentioned with IIT Mumbai together with the financials for the challenge.
It mentioned funds amounting to Rs 18.52 crore have been sanctioned for the challenge.
The affidavit additional alleged that conferences had been convened with IIT Mumbai and Tata Projects Ltd in months of April, May and July “to resolve the issues but the MoU has not been finalized as IIT Mumbai has not agreed to take the responsibility of the overall coordination of the project and verification of the works to be carried out by Tata Projects Limited”.
It claimed that so as to get the challenge executed and to adjust to the Supreme Court’s course, the ministry and the CPCB have “showed special consideration” and made a number of concessions within the curiosity of the challenge.
It alleged that on July 15 a gathering was convened by the ministry with IIT Mumbai and CPCB to make an try to resolve the problems however earlier than the assembly, IIT Mumbai had conveyed its view by an e-mail dated July 14 that it will not be capable of settle for the situations within the MoU, like taking duty of general coordination of the challenge and verification of works to be carried out by Tata Power Ltd.