Diesel vehicle ban: Business worth Rs 100 cr affected in Delhi

Nearly 2 lakh heavy diesel vehicles more than 15 years old will not be allowed to ply in the city

Business worth Rs 100 crore would affected after nearly two lakh diesel vehicles went off roads today following an order by the National Green Tribunal that barred 15-year-old vehicles from plying on city roads.

According to a transporter, one truck usually carrying goods worth about Rs 5,000 would now be off roads.

“We feel that instead of banning such vehicles the government should allow use of retrofit engines, it would be a cheaper proposition for the truck, van or car owners who now have to buy new vehicles,” a truck owner said.

Last week, the Delhi government started the process of phasing out 15-year old diesel vehicles in the wake of grave pollution levels post Diwali.

Apart from that, ban on construction and demolition activities will continue till November 14 and overloaded trucks and vehicles not destined for the city will not be allowed in the national capital.

In July, NGT had directed the Delhi government to de-register diesel vehicles older than 10 years, which it later said should begin with the deregistration of vehicles that are over 15 years old in the first phase.

The city transport department is believed to have identified 21 locations across the city to keep impounded vehicles.

The deregistered vehicles will be sold as scrap in the market or to the auto makers for further use.

The list of deregistered vehicles, which has details of the vehicles, including owner’s name, registration number and address, has been sent to the traffic police. \