In a crucial judgement on Tuesday, the National Green Tribunal has banned diesel vehicles that are older than 10 years.

A bench of the green court, headed by its chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar,ruled that, “No diesel vehicles – light or heavy – over 10 years will be allowed to operate in Delhi-NCR. All registering authorities in Haryana, UP and Delhi would file a list of petrol vehicles more than 15 years old and diesel vehicles more than 10 years old before the tribunal and provide the same to the (state) police.”

“Trucks enter Delhi every night,” asserted a visibly upset Justice Swatanter Kumar, “And the city’s sleeping population is compelled to inhale high Particulate Matter pollution causing serious health implications…Unfortunately, we find no response (from the authorities) in this regard…We hereby issue directions to governments of NCT of Delhi, UP and Haryana for speedy construction of the two bypass…they must also submit all original records relating to the (Eastern Peripheral Expressway and Western Peripheral Expressway) to show what they have done to assure compliance with our orders.”