In another important hearing, the National Green Tribunal will hear a plea seeking modification of its December 12 order that said no new diesel vehicles will be registered in Delhi.
Advertisement
The order came in as a measure to curb the pollution levels in the capital city after the Supreme Court suggested that Delhi has become a “Gas Chamber”.
The apex court is mulling a ban on vehicles beyond 2000 cc for the next three months on trial basis, according to The Indian Express. Senior advocate Pinaki Misra appeared for Delhi-based vehicle dealers.
The tribunal said that it would review the order on January 6, 2016, after taking into account the interim period. Fresh demands for diesel cars are on hold and company dealerships find piling stocks to the extent of INR 1,000 crores.
“If a similar matter is there in Supreme Court, it would be improper on our part to say anything”.
The tribunal, however, directed all the concerned authorities to file their replies by tomorrow with a clear stand on capping/ scrapping of old cars and providing incentives to those who do not use their private vehicles It also clarified that it has no doubts on the odd even plan of Delhi government and only wants its proper implementation.
Amicus curiae (friend of court) in the case, Harish Salve, pressed for a complete diesel ban and imposition of a one-time charge on purchase of diesel vehicles, saying that they were the biggest cause of pollution.
Some manufacturers feel that the NGT’s decision has shut down their operations in Delhi completely, while dealers are left confused about what to do with the stock in hand.
Advertisement
Delhi being the largest market for luxury vehicles has seen luxury automakers the most affected lot with dealers asking for support from parent companies. It will hear petition for banning diesel auto from plying on Delhi’s road, including 13 cities to tackle growing menace of pollution in the country.
