People’s participation necessary to win war against pollution: Javadekar

New Delhi, Dec.16 : Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday called for people’s participation to control the menace of pollution and said joint effort from both public and government is necessary to win war against pollution.

“Today, the Supreme Court has given some orders which we will study. But everybody needs to play his own part in abetting pollution and mitigating the pollution problem and elsewhere,” Javadekar told media.

“But most important thing is that euro 4 standard be applicable throughout the country from 2017. From 2019 euro 5 (Bharat 5) and from 2021 euro 6 (Bharat 6) will come into force. That means government would be spending more than Rs. 60,000 crores in that venture and vehicle manufacturers will have to manufacture vehicles accordingly. That is going to be the real game changer,” he added.

The Minister also announced that two bypasses would be constructed in the national capital within next 24 months.

“People also need to participate by following lane disciplines, by maintaining their vehicles, by using cycles for nearby work, by using more public transport and avoiding congested lanes. By this joint effort we will win the war against pollution,” he said.

The Supreme Court earlier today banned the registration of all diesel vehicles with over 2000 cc capacity in Delhi-NCR till March 31, 2016.

In a major step towards curbing growing air pollution in Delhi, the apex court announced several measures, including an order that all taxis in Delhi must be converted to CNG and that the pollution surcharge shall be doubled.

The apex court also ordered that all commercial vehicles, including trucks, which are not Delhi-bound, will not be allowed to enter the national capital through entry points NH-8 and NH-1. Delhi Police will come up with alternate routes for such commercial vehicles, the court said. Further, all commercial vehicles including trucks registered before 2005 will not be allowed to enter the capital even if bound for Delhi.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that “rich people can’t go round in SUVs polluting the environment” and added that it was considering banning new diesel-guzzling luxury cars and SUVs from hitting Delhi roads. It asserted that it would not allow the rich to buy such vehicles that pollute the air and affect public health.

The Supreme Court has said that diesel cars are sending out toxic fumes, and therefore, it was being forced to impose a ban on registration of 2000 cc and over vehicles. (ANI)