No New Diesel Vehicles For Government in Delhi, Says Green Tribunal

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Dec 11, 2015:  No diesel vehicles must be bought anymore by the central and state governments in Delhi, the National Green Tribunal said today, announcing another giant step for the critically-polluted capital after the odd-even rule.

The tribunal has recommended that diesel-run vehicles not be registered in Delhi at all.

The move comes at a time the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition seeking a complete ban on diesel cars in Delhi and other cities. The case will come up on December 15.

In April, the green tribunal had banned diesel vehicles over 10 years old in Delhi, which is the world’s most polluted city.

The tribunal today raised questions about the Delhi government’s odd-even formula for cars, saying it "may not have the desired effect".

From the New Year, odd and even numbered cars will be allowed on alternate days in Delhi. The system will be tested for 15 days. The tribunal said the ban would only drive people to buy another car.

"Any opinion is welcome, that is the only way we can improve. Those who don’t care about pollution will buy new cars," said Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai/

Around 23 per cent of the cars registered in Delhi are diesel. Diesel cars can legally emit 7.5 times more particulate matter than the petrol versions and produce more toxic nitrogen dioxide.

Yesterday, the Chief Justice of India, TS Thakur, had called the pollution in Delhi ’embarrassing’ and asked for immediate solutions.

"Delhi has earned a bad name that it is the most polluted city. Last week a Judge came from International Court of Justice to Delhi. It is very embarrassing for us to tell him that this is the level of pollution in Delhi," said the court.

"If you expect us to provide solution to every problem, it is not possible," said Justice Thakur, hearing a petition filed by toll operators who had said that they could not collect the ’Green Cess’ announced in October from trucks entering the city.

 

Courtesy: NDTV