Delhi Pollution Update: NGT bans registrations of new diesel Cars in the capital

The move to ban new diesel car registrations in Delhi comes soon after it was declared that pollution levels in the Capital are much above acceptable levels. The NGT also directed the Centre and the Delhi governments to not buy any diesel vehicles for their departments.

Only on Thursday, the Supreme Court had agreed to examine a suggestion to ban entry of all diesel-run trucks, except those carrying essential goods, into the national capital while asking the Centre to come up with “common minimum acceptable programmes” on the issue after consulting all stakeholders. The apex court had also observed that it was “very embarrassing” when visiting foreign dignitaries point out the high levels of pollution in the region.

“This is very serious issue and we are earning a bad name in the world for Delhi being most polluted city,” it said and agreed to examine the suggestion of senior advocate Harish Salve that as an interim measure, the entry of all kinds of diesel-run trucks into Delhi be banned for six weeks to see as to whether it makes “perceptible” change in the already worsened air quality.

Earlier this month, the Delhi Government had also announced the even-odd car formula as a part of its preventive measures against pollution. For the proper implementation of this move, which will set in from January 1 next year, the Delhi Government has also announced the doubling up of the public transport buses in the city while the metro rail frequency has also been urged to go up. The Arvind Kejriwal government is set to issue more directives as a part of this move soon in the future.

Also read: You can now drive your car only on alternate days in Delhi

While the authorities are prepared to take the no-diesel-car route to tackle the menace of pollution in the NCR, it remains to be seen how automotive manufacturers react to it, since Delhi has been a large market for vehicles from all segments. 

Source: Times of India