NGT has no plans to extend ban on diesel vehicles to other cities

Allaying the fears of auto makers, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has said there was no plan to extend the ban on diesel vehicles that is currently prevailing in the national capital region and Kerala to other cities in the country.

The NGT said it would first examine the data received from different states on pollution levels in various cities before deciding the ban. The tribunal also directed governments to submit an affidavit within three weeks, giving details of the two most polluted cities in their states, the total population and vehicle density in each district while fixing the hearing for July 11.

"We are not banning any vehicles. We have asked state governments to submit a report on the pollution levels in various cities. Let that data come and then we will hear different parties and decide accordingly," a bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar said.

The observation came after additional solicitor general Pinky Anand, appearing for the Ministry of Heavy Industries, asked the bench not to extend to other cities the ban on registration of vehicles beyond 2000 cc.

The ASG said that about eight per cent FDI under "Make in India" has come from the automobile industry and the sector generates employment opportunities and any restriction on it would have an adverse effect on the momentum of its growth.

Source : BS Motoring