NEW DELHI: Is pollution forcing you to stay indoors? Fear not, for the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has decided to advance the date for implementation of the roll out of higher level emission standards such as Bharat Stage (BS) V and VI norms for four-wheelers by 3 years.
According to a draft notification issued by the ministry, the date for BS-V has been advanced to 2019 from 2022 and that of BS-VI will now be implemented in 2021 in place of 2024. The move reflects the ministry’s objective that the road transport sector should take a lead role in reducing the harmful effects of emissions on environment and climate change.
“As per the roadmap earlier laid down by the Auto Fuel Policy, BS-V norms were to be implemented from April, 2022 and BS-VI from April 2024. Accordingly, the ministry has now decided to implement BS-V norms from April, 2019 and BS-VI norms from April 2021,” said a senior officer in the ministry.
BS-VI norms aim at substantial reduction in nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide levels.
“This reflects a firm commitment to play a major role in reducing vehicular emissions. Draft norms for two and three wheeler categories will be notified shortly with advanced timelines similar to the four wheeler category,” said the official.
Lauding the government’s decision, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) warned against the dangers of delaying immediate nation-wide extension of BS IV emissions standards currently in force only in a few Indian cities.
Immediate extension of BS IV emissions standards in all vehicles nation-wide can reduce the emission of highly toxic and cancer causing diesel particulate e by more than 80 per cent and nitrogen oxide by 30 percent.
“This can also facilitate quick move towards Euro V and Euro VI within five years when particulate emissions can be brought down further by 66 per cent and nitrogen oxide by yet another 80 per cent,” the CSE said in a statement
