NGT to Not Lift Ban on 10-Year-Old Diesel Vehicles in Delhi-NCR

NGT dismissed the Centre’s plea seeking a lift on the ban on diesel vehicles which are more than 10 years old in Delhi-NCR.

(Photo: Reuters)

The National Green Tribunal on Thursday dismissed the Centre's plea seeking modification of its order banning ten-year-old diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR.

The Tribunal noted that emissions from diesel vehicles are carcinogenic in nature and one diesel vehicle causes pollution equivalent to 24 petrol vehicles or 40 CNG vehicles.

A bench headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar dismissed the government's plea on the ground that the Supreme Court has also junked a similar plea.

The Green panel said that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which had sought modification of the NGT’s order of 7 April 2015, did not file any review plea and moved the Tribunal “in the guise of seeking modification”.

The bench which delivered the judgment also comprised Justices Jawad Rahim, RS Rathore and one expert member BS Sajwan.

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Noting that diesel is the prime source of air pollution in Delhi, the tribunal had earlier held that all diesel vehicles which are more than 10 years old will not be permitted to ply in Delhi-NCR.

The Green panel had issued an order last year directing the Delhi RTO to de-register all diesel vehicles operating in the city that are over 10 years old.

The Centre had moved the Supreme Court opposing the ban. They challenged the NGT's order saying there was a “misconception” that only diesel pollutes the environment.

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