Context:
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has approached the Supreme Court seeking a review of its earlier directions related to End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in Delhi-NCR. The Commission argues that BS III-compliant and earlier model vehicles, due to their high emission levels, should be excluded from the purview of the Supreme Court’s existing order, in the interest of effective air pollution control.
Key Highlights:
- Review Petition by CAQM:
- CAQM has sought a review of the Supreme Court’s order dealing with ELVs in Delhi-NCR.
- It has requested that BS III and earlier vehicles be excluded from the protection granted under the order.
- Emission-Related Rationale:
- BS III and older vehicles emit significantly higher pollutants than newer models.
- These vehicles contribute heavily to Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions.
- Scale of the Issue:
- Around 37% of vehicles in Delhi-NCR are BS III or earlier models, indicating a substantial pollution load.
- Related Judicial Background:
- The Commission also sought a review of the 2016 Supreme Court order imposing environment protection charge on high-capacity diesel vehicles.
- The August 12 Supreme Court order had paused coercive action against ELVs, prompting CAQM’s present concern.
- Administrative Challenges:
- The Delhi government had earlier requested CAQM to keep the order in abeyance due to public dissatisfaction and implementation difficulties.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue & Causes:
- Severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR aggravated by emissions from older vehicles.
- Inadequate phasing out of polluting vehicle stock.
- Government / Regulatory Measures:
- Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards to regulate vehicular pollution.
- CAQM as a statutory authority for air quality management in NCR.
- Benefits:
- Excluding BS III and older vehicles could lead to substantial reduction in vehicular emissions.
- Supports cleaner transition to BS VI vehicles.
- Challenges:
- Public resistance due to livelihood dependence on older vehicles.
- Enforcement and monitoring difficulties.
- Impact:
- Potential improvement in urban air quality and public health outcomes.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Definitions:
- End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs): Vehicles that are no longer safe or economical to operate.
- Bharat Stage Emission Standards: Indian vehicular emission norms aligned with European standards.
- CAQM: Statutory body under the CAQM Act, 2021 for NCR air quality management.
- Environmental & Governance Dimensions:
- Vehicular emissions are a major contributor to PM2.5 and NOx pollution in NCR.
- Tension between environmental protection and judicial/administrative feasibility.
- Polity & Federal Issues:
- Role of judiciary in environmental governance.
- Coordination challenges among Centre, States, and statutory bodies.
- Way Forward:
- Time-bound phasing out of older vehicles with adequate transition support.
- Incentives for vehicle scrappage and cleaner alternatives.
- Strengthening public transport and non-motorized mobility.
- Clear, enforceable judicial and regulatory guidelines.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS Paper III: Environment & Ecology – Air pollution, vehicular emissions
- GS Paper II: Polity – Role of judiciary, statutory authorities
- Prelims: CAQM, BS standards, ELVs
- Mains: Environmental governance, balancing rights and public interest