Traders approach NGT to modify order

Green body order prohibits loading or unloading of goods from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The NGT order prohibits loading or unloading of goods from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in all city markets.

Delhi traders on Friday approached the National Green Tribunal and urged it to review its March 16 order directing that commercial vehicles can neither load nor unload goods in the city markets during the day.

The ban will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

In its petition, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) requested the NGT to modify the order as loading-unloading is incidental to any business and can be done only during working hours.

“If daytime loading and unloading is banned, then what time will traders get their material delivered? Delivery of material to government Departments and other private institutions can take place only during working hours. Even local deliveries can’t be made at night. Opening shops at night for loading and unloading of goods will pose a security threat,” they argued.

According to the traders, the concerns of the NGT on environment protection in Delhi are genuine and they are keen to join hands with the Tribunal and other authorities in reducing level of pollution, but a ban on loading and unloading will kill trade here.

“A reasonable solution must be found out. The lethargic attitude of authorities in discharging their responsibilities has always caused problems for traders. Delhi traders have paid about Rs.2,000 crore as parking and conversion charges, but the civic bodies have failed to provide even parking for traders. Development plans for special area, including the Walled City, has not been prepared by the civic body even after a lapse of eight years. Construction of integrated freight complex, alternate place for negative trade, etc., are the responsibilities of the Delhi Development Authority, civic bodies and Delhi government, but they have failed miserably,” said CAIT general-secretary Praveen Khandelwal.

The association members claimed around 55,000 commercial vehicles are involved in the process in the Capital on a daily basis. Some of the major markets affected by the order include Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, Kamla Nagar, Sadar Bazar, Paharganj, Karol Bagh, Kirti Nagar and Naraina.

The association members claimed around 55,000 commercial vehicles are involved in the process in the Capital on a daily basis