Regarding the continuously deteriorating air quality in the capital Delhi and NCR (NCR Air Pollution). Supreme Court (Supreme Court on Air Pollution) has adopted a strict stance. The apex court has taken a big decision by amending its earlier order, under which the way has now been cleared to remove old vehicles of BS-3 and below level (BS-3 Old Vehicles Ban) from NCR.
The Supreme Court made it clear that to control pollution (Delhi Air Pollution Control), not only immediate steps but also a long-term strategy are necessary. The court has instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM Guidelines) to start preparations for the coming year from now, so that the same situation of pollution does not repeat itself in winter every year.
Now who will get exemption, who will take action?
The apex court clarified that now only
BS-4 and above level (BS-4 Vehicles Allowed)
Diesel vehicles up to 10 years old (Diesel Vehicle Age Limit)
Petrol vehicles up to 15 years old (Petrol Vehicle Age Limit)
Only those will be exempted from punitive action. Apart from this, action has now been taken against old vehicles of BS-3, BS-2 and below level.
Amendment made in old order
The Supreme Court has amended its old order given on August 12. Earlier under that order, relief was given to 10 year old diesel and 15 year old petrol vehicles, but due to this, vehicles with BS-2 and BS-3 emission norms were also being saved from action.
Court’s decision on CAQM’s application
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), drew the court’s attention to this flaw. He said that due to the old order, highly polluting BS-2 and BS-3 vehicles are also running on the roads, which is worsening the situation.
Accepting this argument, the court amended the order and limited the exemption only to vehicles of BS-4 and above level (Vehicle Emission Standard).
Hearing will be held every 15 days
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant said that air pollution in NCR has become a serious problem. The court directed that regular hearings will be held in this case every 15 days and the situation will be reviewed.
Instructions to prepare for next year from now on
The Supreme Court bluntly said that taking steps as pollution increases every year is not the solution. The Commission will have to strengthen long term pollution solutions, so that the people of Delhi-NCR do not have to breathe poisonous air in the coming years.
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