NGT allows registration of 6 SPG buses with rider

New Delhi, Sep 16 (PTI) The National Green Tribunal todaydirected Delhi’s transport department to register six newdiesel buses for Special Protection Group (SPG) subject to thecondition that it submits dismantling certificate of its oldvehicles. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumargranted the relief to SPG and asked it to file chassis numbersof dismantled vehicles before the concerned authority for thepurpose of registration of new vehicles. The green panel passed the order after advocate BalenduShekhar, appearing for SPG, said that huge deficiency hasbeen created in its motor transport fleet and its operationalefficiency in providing protection to its VIP protectees,including the Prime Minister. He said the department has already condemned 18 oldvehicles and is in process of dismantling the remaining 10buses as they have crossed 10 years of age. Delhi government opposed SPG’s plea and said thatregistration of diesel-run vehicles should be allowed onlyafter payment of 30 per cent Environment Compensation Chargeas per the Supreme Court order. Rebutting the argument, Shekhar said the apex court orderapplied to only cars and SUVs. Moreover, as per the 2001Supreme Court order in M C Mehta case, SPG vehicles aretreated as a separate category besides ambulance and prisonvans, he said. SPG had approached the green panel seeking registrationof its new vehicles, as the tribunal had last year banned theregistration of new diesel vehicles as well as their re-registration after 10 years. It had said SPG had exclusive mandate under the lawto provide security cover to most important personalitiesincluding Prime Minister, and their family members who arevulnerable for high security threat and it has to take alladequate measures with logistics to fulfil its responsibility.PTI PKSARC