The government is encouraging environmental friendly vehicles to reduce the amount of pollution in India

The government is encouraging pro-active use of limited natural resources by taking steps to promote the use of innovative environmentally friendly vehicles. The Bharat Stage IV fuel norms are the least polluting fuel standards in India, and have been applicable in some cities in India since 2010. There are plans to introduce access to Bharat Stage IV fuel across the entire country by the year 2017. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has mandated that all vehicles in the country should use only Bharat Stage IV fuel from the year 2020.

There are steps taken to notify alternate sources of fuel for vehicles such as ethanol and biogas as well as electric hybrid vehicles, by amending the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the deregistration of diesel vehicles older than 10 years, that tend to disproportionately pollute the environment, in the National Capital Region of New Delhi. The deregistration of diesel vehicles older than 10 years is being carried out in line with the NGT order.

The Government is considering introduction of a ‘Vehicle Fleet Modernization Programme’ to accelerate the replacement of old, polluting diesel vehicles. A concept note on the ‘Vehicle Fleet Modernization Programme’ has been placed on the Ministry web site for feedback from stakeholders and concerned Ministries and Departments. It was found that the old diesel vehicles contributed the most to the pollution. The information was provided by Shri Munsukh L. Mandaviya, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, in a written response to a question raised at Rajya Sabha.