The Supreme Court has chose to pass a moratorium to ban all cars, trucks of diesel make and engine displacement of 2000 CC or more in New Delhi effectively till 31st March 2016.
Advertisement
It showed how barring Rohini, diesel vehicles contributed to 60 per cent-90 per cent of PM 2.5 (fine, respirable pollution particles) emissions in Delhi.
The court also ordered all taxis in Delhi to convert to Compressed Natural Gas by March next year.
It also put a restriction on the passage of commercial vehicles through Delhi if that was not their intended destination and emphasised that such vehicles would be prohibited from entering the city through the entry points of NH-8 and NH-1.
“There is now a ban on the registration of diesel vehicles above 2000cc across NCR (the National Capital Region)”, she said, referring to the engine capacity. The green court also said that the government should stop buying diesel cars in Delhi.
In a major step towards curbing growing air pollution in Delhi, the apex court announced several measures, including an order that all taxis in Delhi must be converted to CNG and that the pollution surcharge shall be doubled.
“There is, however, no reason why registration of private cars and SUVs using diesel with an engine capacity of 2,000cc and above should not be banned up to March 31, 2016”. This will reduce air pollution to a large extent is what the Supreme Court.
It allowed entry of trucks carrying goods for Delhi with a rider – these should not be more than 10 years old.
Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, said on Twitter his company would honour the court’s decision. Recently, the government of Delhi has proposed the odd-even vehicle numbers to be allowed on the alternate days which is still known only by the Government of Delhi.
“The highest court…is absolutely clear that there can be no compromise when it comes to the health of the people”, said Sunita Narain, head of the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment.
In fact, M&M, the country’s third largest automaker with a market share of 7.86 percent, will be the worst hit by the judgment as it has a massive lineup of diesel SUVs and utility vehicles.
Advertisement
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to Ministries of Road Transport, Environment and Forests and Heavy Industries as well as Delhi government and others while hearing the plea of auto dealers seeking modification of order banning registration of new diesel vehicles.
