In a new ruling, the Supreme Court has introduced measures aimed at curbing the alarmingly high levels of air pollution in Delhi.
In a crucial ruling, the Supreme Court today imposed a number of measures with an aim to reduce the air pollution levels in Delhi to something not incredibly toxic. For perspective, Delhi has the highest pollution levels among all major cities in the world, and almost half of the children living in India’s capital are growing up with irreversible lung damage.
In such a climate, the recent Supreme Court ruling is essential and – we hope – not too late. Here is the immediate plan to fight pollution, from the nation’s highest judicial forum:
1. A ban on diesel SUVs with a capacity of 2000cc or more
Image for representation only. Source: Wikipedia
There is now a ban on the sale and registration of diesel SUVs and luxury cars with an engine capacity of or greater than 2000cc. This ban will be in place till March 31, 2016.
2. Strict regulations for trucks – even stricter than before
Image for representation only. Source: Wikipedia
Trucks will no longer be permitted to transit through Delhi on National Highways 1 and 8 on their way to other states. Trucks that are carrying goods to Delhi will now have to pay double the existing environmental cess. Commercial vehicles registered before 2005 will no longer be allowed inside city limits.
3. CNG compliance measure for private taxis
Image for representation only. Source: Wikipedia
All private taxis, including taxi services such as Ola and Uber, will have to switch to natural gas by March 1, 2016. While private small diesel vehicles are exempt from this compliance measure for now, the court eventually hopes to replace all diesel cars within the city with vehicles that run on natural gas.
4. Masks for traffic policemen
Image for representation only. Source: Wikipedia
The Supreme Court has ordered the Centre to provide proper masks to all traffic policemen and policewomen. By virtue of their jobs, traffic cops are some of the worst affected by air pollution.
5. A ban on burning garbage
Image for representation only. Source: Wikipedia
The court has requested an immediate ban on burning garbage. This request was primarily directed at the Delhi government and local civic bodies.
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