HC wants state to look at Delhi model to check pollution

BENGALURU: The Karnataka high court on Friday asked the state government to check whether it can follow the New Delhi model which has banned diesel vehicles to avoid increasing air pollution levels, in Bengaluru as well. While hearing a related case, Justice AN Venugopala Gowda asked the state government to see whether it can be replicated here. The court expressed serious concern over the ill effects of severe pollution. Justice Gowda stressed the need to take stringent precautionary measures on the lines of Delhi. In reply, Additional Advocate General A S Ponnanna submitted that the state government had written to the Union government to regulate the registration of diesel vehicles in September 2014 itself and banned the entry of all heavy vehicles into the city during day. If the court suggests a plan of action, the state will implement the same, he said. The matter was adjourned to January 6 for further hearing. -TOI