Delhi: Ban on 2,000cc diesel cars extended again

The Supreme Court has once again extended the ban on registration of cars with engines larger than 2,000cc in Delhi. The next hearing has been scheduled for May 9, 2016.

In December 2015, the registration of diesel cars with engines larger than 2,000cc was banned in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) till March 31, 2016 by the Supreme Court citing the rising levels of pollution in the Delhi and the NCR. The apex court went on to extend the ban till April 30.

The Supreme Court had also directed all the taxis in the NCR to convert to CNG till March 1, 2016. This deadline was extended to March 31 and then April 30. The court has refused to extend it any further. This means that all taxis running on petrol or diesel are now banned in Delhi and the NCR.

However, the Supreme Court has allowed the Delhi Police to purchase 197 diesel vehicles for special purposes. The Delhi Police will have to pay 30% environmental compensation charge on the total cost of the vehicles.

The Supreme Court has also allowed the Delhi Jal Board to purchase 250 diesel vehicles as replacements for 240 vehicles, which have been in service for more than 10 years.

Source: NDTV