SC bans 15-year old Petrol and 10-year old diesel vehicles in NCR

The Supreme Court of India has prohibited 15-year old petrol and 10-year old diesel vehicles from plying on the roads of the National Capital Region. This ban has been implemented by the apex court amidst the rise in pollution levels in NCR.

Also, it has directed the transport department to announce the matter and impound such vehicles if found operating on the roads of NCR. A list of the vehicles will be published on the website of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and transport department.

SC also directed an advertisement on this matter to be published in the newspapers. As per the directions of the court, CPCB will be opening a social media account where the citizens could lodge their complaints about pollution.

The Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) will be taking pre-emptive steps under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). GRAP is primarily aimed at tackling the pollution in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas. It is formed to take immediate remedial action when the air quality deteriorates.

Operation of such vehicles in the NCR was banned earlier by the National Green Tribunal. A plea against the NGT’s order was rejected by SC.