NGT restricts registration of new diesel cars in Delhi

Keeping in mind the rising pollution levels in the national capital, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Friday ruled that Delhi would not register any new diesel cars. It has asked the Centre and the state to ensure that no new diesel cars are registered in Delhi.

“No new diesel vehicles would be registered in the national capital in the backdrop of rising air pollution and smog levels in the city,” the tribunal said.

The green panel also questioned the Delhi Government’s odd-even formula which is to be implemented from 1 January to check air pollution. It observed that the move may not achieve the desired result. On the contrary, people may end up buying two cars.

Delhi has nearly 90 lakh registered vehicles, almost a third of them cars. Some 1,500 new vehicles are added every day.

The Delhi government which announced the odd-even car formula after an observation was made by the Delhi High court, terming Delhi’s air quality to be akin a “gas chamber”.

However, the Supreme Court has backed the government’s move. The government will put this into effect for a trial period of 15 days, starting 1 January 2016. A detailed layout is expected to be presented by the government on 25 December.