KOCHI: With the National Green Tribunal’s order on diesel vehicles coming as a jolt to the State’s transport sector, the Kerala State Private Bus Operators Federation (KSPBOF) has decided to face the controversial order legally.
The decision was taken at a state-level meeting of the Federation here on Saturday. General secretary Lawrance Babu said the Federation would file a petition before the High Court and the NGT.
“We decided to face the order legally as we do not want to leave the public in the lurch. If we organise a strike against the NGT order, it would adversely affect students as schools are about to re-open in a few days. If the order is implemented, it would have serious implications for the transport sector. It would infringe on people’s right to commute,” said Lawrance at a press conference here.
The Lorry Association, Tourist Bus Operators’ Association, Tourist Car Operators’ Association and Tempo Travellers’ Association have joined hands with the KSPBOF in the initiative.
“This order will deprive thousands of persons across the State of their livelihood. Around two lakh lorries that transport essential goods like vegetables from different states will have to stop operation. Pollution is a problem that is prevalent all over the country. I don’t understand why such a law needs to be passed immediately in Kerala alone,” he said.
“Earlier, the Tribunal had passed a similar order in New Delhi. In Delhi, however, two years’ time was allowed for implementing the order, in order to find alternative fuels like CNG,” said Lawrance.