(1) ON 28th July, 1998, with a view to arrest the growing pollution of air, certain steps were directed to be taken with immediate effect. Besides a schedule was also given containing various directions based on the Report of the Committee headed by Shri Bhure Lal. Direction F reads: "No 8-year old buses to ply except on CNG or other clean fuels. (Time frame - after 1-4-2000)" Direction G provides: "Entire city bus fleet (DTC and private) to be steadily coverted to single fuel mode on CNG. - (Time frame by - 31-3-2001)"

(2) THESE applications have been filed by Action Committee of un-aided private schools and other educational institutions seeking modification of the Order dated 28th July, 1998 primarily on the ground of hardship to the institutions and the students.

(3) WE have heard learned counsel for the parties.

(4) ON behalf of the applicants, it is submitted that buses which are owned by college, school or other educational institutions, are being used solely for the purpose of transporting students or staff of educational institution in connection with the activities of the institution and that those buses are not being used as contract carriage