After NGT direction, AIIMS initiate to curb pollution around hospital

After the National Green Tribunal’s direction to undertake immediate actions to curb pollution in and around the hospital, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences has initiated the action plan to mitigate the pollution. The NGT has directed authorities to take urgent measures to mitigate pollution in and around the hospital. The hospital has initiated planting of 10000 trees on its campuses among other measures.

The tribunal had directed the hospital after a petition was filed underlining the deteriorating air and water quality in the vicinity of AIIMS, posing a significant risk to the patients. Taking cognizance of the matter, the NGT has directed the authorities, including the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, AIIMS and other stakeholders to undertake immediate actions to curb pollution in and around AIIMS.

The NGT has also instructed the hospital to implement its own recommendations in a time-bound manner and further to formulate a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to reduce pollution from various sources. Furthermore, AIIMS has also been directed to develop an environmental action plan within one month to curb environmental pollution within its campus.

“Working towards creating a healthier environment for its patients and staff, AIIMS has agreed to procure electric vehicles and expand its shuttle services to major public transport alighting points in the vicinity. ‘AIIMS fairly stated that it is committed to maintain the cleanest environment inside the campus for protection of patients, staff and visitors and also to coordinate with the authorities for remedial measures in coordination with the concerned authorities”, said the hospital.

It added further, “AIIMS has been tackling the issue of excessive footfall and traffic issues owing to its large patient, their attendants, staff and visitors commuting within the premises by streamlining intramural vehicular movement and curbing unauthorized entry and parking on its arterial routes. As committed, AIIMS has already initiated planting of 10000 trees on its campuses and its Master Plan envisages green initiatives to make it a 21st century ready campus”.