In March this year, the Calcutta High Court had directed the MoEF to state what it had done to reduce the air pollution in the city. In response, it filed a detailed affidavit today. Regarding the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) supply, the MoEF said that it was the duty of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas to inform the court in the matter. In April 2004, the Calcutta High Court had directed the Union government to ensure the supply of CNG and LPG in Kolkata. Four years hence, the MoEF is delegating this responsibility to the petroleum ministry.

The MoEF also claimed that it was the duty of the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) to monitor the air pollution level in Kolkata and take the necessary steps in this regard.