End of road for Delhi’s old vehicles: Likely to be phased out by March ’15
The department is conducting regular sessions to implement the National Green Tribunal (NGT)’s order to ban 15-year-old vehicles on Delhi’s roads. “We will phase out these vehicles before the end of March 15. We are abiding by the NGT order. However, there are numbers of vehicles which are used for public transport. We are looking at the best possible way to minimise the trouble for the common man who will be in serious trouble because of this as they are dependent on such public transport and vehicles,” said a transport official, on condition of anonymity. According to sources the purpose of the meeting was to have a discussion on the issue and devise a method for smooth implementation of the order.
Meanwhile, the NGT had also directed Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to check all DTC buses, even if operating on CNG, and if found emitting in excess of prescribed standards, they must not be permitted to ply. More than 29 lakh vehicles will go off the Capital’s roads after NGT order. Dismayed at the increasing level of air pollution in Delhi, the NGT had on November 26 barred all vehicles – private cars, bikes, commercial vehicles, buses and trucks – over 15 years old from plying in the national Capital.
Meanwhile, the NGT on Thursday said air pollution in the Capital needs to be dealt with “harsh” steps, and asked the authorities concerned to consider hike in parking, vehicle registration fees and congestion charges.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar passed a slew of directions while observing that Delhi is one of the worst cities as far as air pollution is concerned.
“It is undisputed that Delhi is one of the worst cities as far as air pollution is concerned. Studies have shown that air pollution in city is dangerous to human health. In spite of various policies framed by state and other authorities ambient air quality is found to be in violation above prescribed norms.
“In order to curb the vehicular pollution we direct that the authorities concerned to consider higher parking fees, registration fees as well as congestion charges before next date of hearing on January 9,” the bench said. It also said studies have shown that there were mainly three primary sources of pollution — vehicular pollution, burning of plastic waste and other material in open air and dust emanating from various sources.
Meanwhile, the NGT had also directed Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to check all DTC buses, even if operating on CNG, and if found emitting in excess of prescribed standards, they must not be permitted to ply. More than 29 lakh vehicles will go off the Capital’s roads after NGT order. Dismayed at the increasing level of air pollution in Delhi, the NGT had on November 26 barred all vehicles – private cars, bikes, commercial vehicles, buses and trucks – over 15 years old from plying in the national Capital.
Meanwhile, the NGT on Thursday said air pollution in the Capital needs to be dealt with “harsh” steps, and asked the authorities concerned to consider hike in parking, vehicle registration fees and congestion charges.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar passed a slew of directions while observing that Delhi is one of the worst cities as far as air pollution is concerned.
“It is undisputed that Delhi is one of the worst cities as far as air pollution is concerned. Studies have shown that air pollution in city is dangerous to human health. In spite of various policies framed by state and other authorities ambient air quality is found to be in violation above prescribed norms.
“In order to curb the vehicular pollution we direct that the authorities concerned to consider higher parking fees, registration fees as well as congestion charges before next date of hearing on January 9,” the bench said. It also said studies have shown that there were mainly three primary sources of pollution — vehicular pollution, burning of plastic waste and other material in open air and dust emanating from various sources.