The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) to measure and display the prescribed noise levels for aircraft at the international airport.
A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel took note of a notice issued by the Airports Authority of India, pertaining to the use of reverse thrust used by pilots while landing.
“We suggest that DIAL not only measure and maintain the prescribed noise levels but also display the same in public domain,” the Bench said.
The directions came when the green panel was hearing a plea which alleged that residents living near the international airport were affected by the noise pollution caused by the aircraft. The plea filed by an NGO — Society for Protection of Culture, Heritage, Environment, Traditions and Promotion of National Awareness — sought the execution of a 2017 NGT order which had directed authorities to take mitigating measures for reducing noise pollution.
Green belt
The tribunal in its order had said, “The official respondents shall ensure providing of a green belt around the boundary wall of the airport, while keeping the safety and security both in mind. The plantations shall be of the species which would only grow to the permissible height or would be maintained at the permissible height only.”
The DIAL, however, informed the green panel that necessary steps for curbing noise pollution were taken according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change on July 6 last year.
