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Delhi: One of the biggest issues in the capital Delhi is air quality. Air quality in Delhi-NCR is declining. In this, the government is now preparing to take strict action against old vehicles. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has started work on a detailed roadmap to control pollution. This roadmap may include a proposal to completely phase out old BS-I, BS-II and BS-III vehicles. Moreover, a plan to remove BS-IV vehicles from the roads in the next five years is also being considered. But this has increased the concern of Delhiites.

Will old vehicles be phased out?

The government faces the challenging task of cleaning the air of the capital Delhi and protecting its residents from serious health problems. So it has been decided to remove the old vehicles. It is being worked on. According to a TOI report, a committee headed by IIT Madras professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala has drawn up a roadmap in this regard. Feedback is now being sought on this. The proposal recommends immediate phase-out of BS-I, BS-II and BS-III vehicles, phasing out of BS-IV vehicles over the next five years and phasing out of BS-VI vehicles between 2035 and 2040. The committee said that when Delhi’s AQI is more than 250, a newborn baby inhales pollution equal to 10 to 15 cigarettes per day, which is very alarming.

Why the increased rigidity on commercial vehicles?

The proposal specifically focuses on commercial vehicles as they emit more pollution. The committee believes that the purchase of new petrol and diesel vehicles should be phased out and zero tailpipe emission (ZTE) vehicles like electric and hydrogen should be encouraged. According to the proposal, all new commercial two-wheelers and taxis registered after April 2027 should be of the ZTE category only.

What will be the effect on the public?

The government also says that sudden phasing out of BS-VI vehicles purchased in the recent past will be detrimental to the public. Hence, a transition period of 10 to 15 years is being considered for BS-VI bikes and cars. It also suggests limiting the use of BS-IV vehicles during high pollution seasons. Overall, the government’s focus is on reducing pollution while reducing public burden.