The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Center to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) headed by an expert committee to prepare a roadmap for achieving the commitments made by India in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. formation was sought. (UNFCCC) in 2021.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla gave the direction on a plea by advocate Rohit Madan, which contended that India had made certain commitments before the UNFCCC to reduce its carbon footprint.
“These goals include long-term, mid-term and short-term goals. These pledges are part of and pursuant to the Paris Agreement, of which India is also a signatory. The Paris Agreement aims to reduce the increase in global average temperature to less than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels,” Mr. Madan said.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Centre, said that the Center has already constituted several committees, such as the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change, focusing on meeting international obligations.
Mr. Madan in his petition filed through advocate Akshay R said that these commitments include shift from existing coal based energy to renewable and green energy. He said that all businesses in India will have to adjust their practices, and make necessary changes in anticipation of change.
He said that an overview of electricity generation data till January 2019 shows that fossil based energy generation accounts for about 2/3 of India’s electricity needs. He argued that the data for the last seven decades shows that the executive has been apathetic in adapting to this change.
The petition said, “Time and again, it has been proved that till the courts take steps, the level of all stakeholders including industries, railways, government, citizens etc., at the level of all stakeholders, to reduce pollution and reduce the carbon footprint.” There can be no scope to do that.”