Stay extended on order banning diesel vehicles 10+ yrs old

The National Green Tribunal on Friday extended till May 18 a stay on its order banning plying of diesel vehicles which are over 10 years old in Delhi-NCR, bringing relief to public utility services and private owners.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar extended the stay after Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, appearing for Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, requested the Tribunal to grant more time to file Centre's suggestion on methods to reduce vehicular pollution.

"ASG submits that she would advise the ministry to hold meeting of concerned ministries and public authorities in order to find out a solution to the problem of air pollution. We have no objections. Meanwhile, stay to continue," the bench said while posting the matter for hearing on May 18.

The Tribunal also directed Delhi government, Petroleum Ministry, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Urban Development and other public authorities to submit their suggestions within two weeks. 

On April 13, the Tribunal had stayed for two weeks its order to impound 10-year-old diesel vehicles plying in the city. It had also asked the Delhi government to submit suggestions on providing incentives to those transferring or scrapping old, polluting diesel vehicles and on fixing a cap on the number of vehicles to be registered in the national capital.

The green bench had also also sought rationalisation of parking charges to encourage people to use parking facilities so that they do not not park on roads.

The green panel had earlier issued notices to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories seeking status report on prevention of air pollution with regard to vehicular traffic.

Noting that diesel is the prime source of air pollution in Delhi, the Tribunal on April 7 had held that all diesel vehicles which are more than 10 years old will not be permitted to ply in Delhi-NCR. On November 26, 2014, it had banned plying of all diesel or petrol vehicles which were more than 15 years old.