No new diesel vehicles to be registered in Delhi

Along with those orders came directions that there would be no re-registration of diesel cars that are more than 10-years-old in Delhi

Various questions were raised in the court regarding the pollution control in the National Capital.

While addressing the hazard of toxic air on school children, the NGT said: “In relation to taking adequate measures for preventing air pollution in schools, particularly government and corporation schools, NCT Delhi is directed to submit a proposal for creating green belt, by covering the ground with grass and installing air filters in schools”.

Delhi vehicles over 10-years-old also face a bumpy road ahead as the tribunal has recommended a ban on the re-registration of these vehicles.

Under interim measures, there will be no renewal of registration of diesel vehicles which are more than 10-year-old.

The government explained to the NGT its decision to impose the odd-even auto formula and all other aspects which would be simultaneously operative to reduce air pollution in Delhi. Diesel cars can legally emit 7.5 times more particulate matter than the petrol versions and produce more toxic nitrogen dioxide.

New Delhi: The Delhi government led by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal told the National Green Tribunal bench that in all the Regional Transport Offices in the national capital, around 1,300 to 1,400 vehicles were being registered every day, including heavy and light one and two-wheelers.

Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai told media on Tuesday after brainstorming meet to prepare the first blueprint of the controversial traffic policy.

The NGT, meanwhile, ordered that no new diesel vehicles would be registered in Delhi.

Earlier this year, the NGT had passed an order for condemning 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year old petrol vehicles.

“It is not proper to stigmatise diesel technology based on the mis-information spread by the interested lobbies, especially when these comply to all the Government of India notified norms”. 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.

A report by the World Health Organisation revealed that New Delhi is the most polluted city in the world.

“Obviously, reasonably good number of vehicles are also being registered in Gurgaon, Bahadurgarh, Ghaziabad and Noida”.

From January 1, Delhi plans to let only even-numbered vehicles (those with an even number on their number plates) ply on half the days and odd-numbered ones the rest of the days, which means a vehicle can ply only on alternate days.

No new diesel vehicles to be registered in Delhi