Air in Delhi has been a cause of concern for quite a while now. To control the damage further, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned petrol and diesel vehicle older than 15 years in Delhi. The decision comes as one of the 14 measures ordered by the green court. The move is shall have adverse effect on over 10 Lakh vehicles that may be forced off the road.
The move may have positive benefits for new cars and two-wheeler manufacturers as the average vehicle replacement cycle in India is stated to be not more than five years. But the move may indeed affect used car dealers to a major extent. The ban on vehicles would be the ones that have been bought before 1999. Speaking more on the occasion, “V G Ramakrishnan, MD, South Asia, Frost & Sullivan, said, "This ruling if extended to rest of the country will not have a significant impact on sale of new cars immediately. But it will give a potential boost to the auto sector in the long run. Cars which are 12 years old will be impacted the most."
The new order clearly states, “We make it clear that in the event of any officer or person found violating these directions or not complying with them, we will be compelled to take coercive steps and pass such orders as may be required in accordance with law.” Adding further, Narender Pal Singh, advocate representing Delhi government, said, “The chairperson was concerned about how Delhiites are going to cope in the high air pollution season that will last for the next six months. He was stern about immediate action on air pollution and gave the example of Lajpat Nagar, where it can take up to 40 minutes for motorists to reach the market from the main road due to congestion. He directed that parking be allowed only on one side of such roads near market areas.” The law also bars burning of waste in the open and restrictions on parking and preventing overloaded trucks entering the city.
