Delhi: 3-month ban on diesel cars with engines over 2000cc

India’s Supreme Court has ordered a temporary ban on the sale of all vehicles with diesel engines larger than a capacity of 2000cc in a bid to tackle cities like New Delhi’s growing problems with toxic smog. The ban, which comes into immediate effect, will last until March 31, 2016.

The SC bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur also banned the entry of trucks registered before 2005 into the city and hiked up by 100% the Green cess levied on commercial vehicles entering Delhi.

“We consider it necessary to make it clear that no vehicle which is not bound for Delhi will be allowed to enter from NH-8, which connects Jaipur to Delhi and NH-1 that connects Punjab, Haryana and other northern states with Delhi via Kundli border”.

Those carrying goods for Delhi will have to shell out a steep environment compensation charge (ECC) – Rs 2,600 for big trucks and Rs 1,400 for light commercial vehicles, which is double the ECC earlier specified by the court.

It also asked authorities to strictly impose restrictions on burning of municipal waste and construction activities. However, this order will impact those selling larger diesel sedans and sports utility vehicles. There will also be a ban the entry of trucks which use the capital as a transit route.

Delhi is considered to have some of the most polluted air in the world, as measured by levels of tiny particles that can find their way deep in the lungs and that cause lasting health problems. The tribunal has also said that central and state government must stop buying diesel cars in Delhi.

The Supreme Court has said that all taxis in the capital should be powered by natural gas (CNG) instead of diesel.

“Why should a rich man travel in a diesel vehicle and pollute the environment, ” the bench had said.

Less than two weeks ago, the city’s government announced that from January 1-15, private cars will be allowed on New Delhi’s roads only on alternate days, depending on whether their license plates end in an even or an odd number. “The third part of the order is that there is now a ban on the registration of diesel vehicles above 2000 cc across NCR”, she added.

Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, said on Twitter his company would honour the court’s decision.