In an order passed on 19 February , the bench also noted that, as per the reports, the major contributor to air pollution was road dust

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed 53 cities experiencing a decline in air quality to furnish comprehensive reports detailing the contribution of each pollutant source and the steps taken to mitigate pollution levels. The directive comes in response to concerns regarding air quality deterioration observed in various cities across India, as indicated by the Air Quality Index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board.

During the hearing on December 5, the tribunal noted that several states had not fully utilized the funds allocated under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the 15th Finance Commission. Consequently, the NGT instructed the concerned states to submit additional action-taken reports to address this shortfall.

According to a recent order passed on February 19, the NGT bench, chaired by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, observed that road dust emerged as a significant contributor to air pollution based on the reports submitted. The tribunal emphasized the importance of implementing measures to mitigate road dust pollution and underscored the need for proactive efforts in this regard.

Highlighting the allocation of Rs 1644.4025 crore for air quality improvement in 19 non-attainment cities, the NGT stressed the importance of ensuring proper utilization of these funds by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The tribunal urged for transparency in utilizing the allocated funds to effectively address air quality concerns.

The NGT directed all 53 cities to disclose the contribution of each polluting source in terms of identified pollutants and to outline the progress made in reducing pollution levels. The tribunal mandated the submission of comprehensive reports at least one week before the next scheduled hearing, which is set for May 3, marking the continuation of proceedings on this matter.