Volkswagen fined Rs. 171 crore for dieselgate

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has said that Volkswagen should pay at least Rs. 171.34 crore in fines for damage to health caused by diesel emissions.

According to a report, Volkswagen cars released approximately 48.678 tonnes of NOx in 2016. Based on this, the NGT panel has estimated the cost of health damage using Delhi as the base city.

According to the NGT, Volkswagen recalled 3.4 lakh vehicles, out of which 2.53 lakh have been recalled. As per figures published by TERI and ARAI, 1,56,000 tonnes of NOx is emitted in Delhi. The annual average ambient NO2 concentration in 2016 was 69 µ/m3 and the change in NO2 levels due to VW vehicles was found to be 0.0215 µ/m3.

In November 2018, the NGT had directed VW to deposit Rs. 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In the US, a Federal Judge had approved a $14.7 billion settlement in 2016.

Source: Indian Express