Ban on big diesel cars, SUVs not the right way: Prakash Javadekar

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday said the ban on diesel cars and Standard Utility Vehicles (SUVs) with engines above 2,000cc in Delhi-NCR by courts is not the right way.

Calling it unfortunate, he said the government is already taking measures to curb pollution and the ban has resulted in vehicles with latest technologies not being allowed while old polluting vehicles continue plying on the roads.

"I am very sure that courts will also appreciate that there has to be a certainty of policy and execution. Policy and execution are the job of the executive, legality of any decision is the job of the judiciary," Javadekar said here.

He further said, "Legislature's job is to legislate and these are the few organs created by the constitution, which must work independently. We must sustain each other and we must work independently that is the real need of the hour. When all will move in one direction, we will achieve goals more than what we have planned to achieve."

Commenting on the ban imposed on registration of big diesel cars and SUVs in Delhi-NCR since December last year, the minister did not refer to the Supreme Court by name but just mentioned courts and the National Green Tribunal.

"I think this is not the right way, it's unfortunate," he said.

Javadekar was apparently referring to the Supreme Court, which has extended the ban until the next hearing which is expected in July.

Air pollution has not increased only in last two years. It has aggravated over the last ten years, he added.

"Judiciary should also appreciate that the government has taken steps like migration to Euro VI to fight pollution," the minister informed. 

He further said, "In the environment ministry we have made emission norms more stringent practically for all industries and that's the right direction in controlling pollution. So we are taking decisions to make all efforts."

Javadekar was speaking at the inauguration of a new Rs 100-crore plant of Force Motors from where the company will supply engines and axles to Mercedes-Benz India.