In a tough decision to help battle alarming pollution levels, the National Green Tribunal on Friday directed that diesel-run vehicles will not be registered in Delhi with immediate effect and asked the central and state government departments not to purchase diesel vehicles.
Under interim measures, there will be no renewal of registration of diesel vehicles which are more than 10 years old.
The green panel also questioned the Delhi government's odd-even formula for vehicles to check pollution in the national capital, saying it may not achieve the desired purpose.
"As an interim measure till next date of posting subject to hearing of all the concerned parties, we direct that diesel vehicles of more than 10 years of age as already directed, as well as new diesel vehicle would not be registered in NCT, Delhi. We also direct the government to take a conscientious decision with regard to not buying any diesel vehicle, whether by the Centre or states," a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.
The Delhi government told the bench that in all the Regional Transport Offices in the national capital, around 1,300 to 1,400 vehicles are being registered every day -- including heavy, light and two-wheelers.
The tribunal noted that reasonably good number of vehicles is also being registered at Gurgaon, Bahadurgarh, Ghaziabad and NOIDA which 'are over and above the vehicles registered in Delhi'.
The green panel directed all the public authorities, corporations, the DDA, police and other public departments to prepare and submit an action plan for phasing out diesel vehicles -- particularly the trucks being used by all these bodies -- by January 6, the next date of hearing.
On measures to prevent air pollution in government schools, it directed the Delhi government to submit a proposal for creating green belt, converting the ground by grass and installation of air filters in the schools.
Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand said the ministry of road transport and highways has taken the stand that commercial diesel vehicles which are 10 years old should be directed to take PUC certificate every 6 months and after 15 years they should be condemned.
"However, in relation to petrol vehicles, the ministry does not favour scrapping of vehicle on ageing or otherwise," she said.
The Delhi government said that it will study the NGT's order.
According to transport department, around 400 new diesel-run vehicles are registered in the national capital.
There are around 5.5 lakh diesel vehicles plying in the national capital. In total, 88.27 lakh vehicles are registered in Delhi.
"Similar matter pertaining to vehicles is pending in Supreme Court. We will study the NGT’s order and then, make a statement," a Delhi government spokesperson said.
Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai said that the government will consider the green court's order.
More than 26.29 lakh cars and jeeps were added to the national capital in the period between April 2013 and March 2014.
