Delhi banning 10-year-old cars is mindless coercion
This Orwellian law, reminiscent of a surveillance state, imposes hefty fines of Rs 10,000 for four-wheelers and Rs 5,000 for two-wheelers, with the threat of vehicle impoundment or scrapping. Fuel station owners also face severe legal repercussions for non-compliance. While Delhi has grappled with severe air pollution since the 1990s, banning nearly a crore vehicles from the roads is counterproductive for several reasons. Here's why this move by the Delhi government is mindless coercion.1. WILL GOVT RETURN 5 YEARS' TAX TO DIESEL VEHICLE OWNERS?advertisementDiesel vehicle owners in India pay road tax for a 15-year vehicle lifespan. But Delhi's policy says the vehicles cannot be used after just 10 years. This discrepancy is making lakhs of vehicle owners question the new law and its fairness.Sushant Sareen, senior fellow at Observer Research Foundation (ORF), wrote on X on Wednesday, 'Single most stupid rule. Scrap a polluting vehicle even if it's 1 year old; allow a non polluting vehicle even if it's 20 years old. Enforce pollution norms strictly. But scrapping vehicles just on age of vehicle is a brainless thing to do. Since it's NGT dictated no one wants to challenge this foolishness (sic).'The bigger question is, will the government refund five years' worth of road tax to diesel vehicle owners affected by the 10-year ban? And if so, how and when?2. SCRAPPING WELL-MAINTAINED VEHICLES WITH VALID PUCThe blanket ban disregards the condition of the vehicles and penalises even those with valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.This subjects the decades-old PUC certificate system to scrutiny. Many on social media said that if a valid PUC is of no relevance and only the vehicle's age determines the emission levels, then the pollution-check certificate system should be dismantled.advertisementNotably, Deepty Jain, assistant professor at the Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Centre, IIT Delhi, told The Times of India that a vehicle's tailpipe emissions depend on its age, make, model, kilometres driven, and overall fitness, highlighting that maintenance can significantly influence emission levels beyond just the vehicle's age.An X user, Abhay Anand said, "Bravo Delhi govt! Ban 10-yr-old cars with PUCs, ignore the absurdity, keep taxing us silly, and leave the middle class broke with no compensation. Nothing screams "pollution fix" like forcing loans for shiny new rides while luxury SUVs guzzle fuel. Pure genius! (sic)".3. FIRST WORLD POLICY IN THIRD-WORLD INFRASTRUCTUREDelhi's stringent vehicle ban mirrors policies in developed nations but ignores our infrastructural realities.In Delhi, roads and flyovers built by the government crumble in far lesser time than the end-of-life time that the government is putting on the cars. Its focus should be on better and sturdier infrastructure.A host of issues are likely to arise soon, including whether public transport can accommodate those affected by the vehicle ban, whether adequate scrapping infrastructure exists for millions of cars, and whether scrapping itself will contribute to pollution.The push is very well towards e-vehicles (EVs), which lack supportive infrastructure. Several housing societies in NCR have been reported as denying permission to install charging points for EVs.advertisementThe vehicle ban, thus, seemingly burdens not only citizens but also the city's already strained facilities.4. DELHI GOVERNMENT GOING FOR SOFT TARGET?Delhi's new policy on banning "old" vehicles is seemingly a soft target, and conveniently sidesteps other factors that contribute to the air pollution crisis that require a larger political oversight.Road dust, which even the Supreme Court flagged, and construction dust are not monitored or addressed. In winters, Delhi becomes a gas chamber because of stubble burning in neighbouring states. Addressing these factors requires political will. It seems the Delhi government has chosen to act tough on vehicles – a move that will impact the middle class, which is a soft target.5. PRIVATE CARS SMALL PART OF POLLUTION POOLVehicular emissions, while significant, aren't Delhi's only source of air pollution. Also, private vehicles are a smaller part of the polluting category.According to a 2024 Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) study, motor vehicles accounted for 51.5% of local PM2.5 emissions in Delhi between October 12 to November 3, 2024. Of this, two- and three-wheelers accounted 50%, and heavy-duty vehicles make up 30%, while private cars contribute around 20%.advertisementBut there are regional sources like stubble burning, which contribute up to 38% of the total PM2.5 on peak days. Then there is road dust, too, which makes up 3.6–4.1% of local PM2.5 pollution in early winter (October–November). However, a 2015 study by IIT Kanpur found it can contribute up to 38% of PM2.5 over a full year, especially in dry seasons.Construction also reportedly contributes 6.7–7.9% to the air quality.Focusing on private vehicles, hence, diverts attention from these broader air pollution sources.The new law may seem well-intentioned to many, but clearly overlooks practical realities and broader pollution sources.- EndsMust Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
18 hours ago
- Mint
India and China cautiously mend ties as tariffs cloud economic outlook
In a visit to India this week, China's top diplomat said the two Asian nations should deepen cooperation amid international threats to free trade, a sign that President Trump's trade war could accelerate a thaw in the frosty relationship between Beijing and New Delhi. Both countries have faced hefty tariff threats from Trump over their trade policies, with India singled out in recent weeks for its large-scale purchases of Russian oil. In remarks in New Delhi on Monday at a meeting with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a veiled reference to the U.S. by noting that New Delhi and Beijing should find ways to coexist against a backdrop of 'unilateral bullying." China and India 'should view each other as partners and opportunities rather than adversaries or threats," said Wang on Monday, according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry, In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said the nations are seeking to move ahead after a 'difficult period in our relationship." 'Differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict," he said. India has said it would resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals. Wang's schedule included a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. At the end of the month, Modi is expected to make his first visit to China in seven years for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a security group that also includes Russia. The nuclear-armed neighbors are edging closer to resuming normal bilateral relations after facing their worst tensions in decades following the 2020 border clash that killed 20 Indian troops and four Chinese soldiers, analysts said. Both sides in recent years have amassed tens of thousands of troops at their disputed border, while round after round of high-level military talks failed to defuse tensions. A breakthrough came last October, when the two countries hammered out a patrolling agreement at the border, paving the way for talks between Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Russia. In recent months, China has allowed Indian pilgrims to visit holy sites in Tibet, while India has said it would resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals. Analysts said the slow but steady improvement in China-India relations could gain momentum from the trade war kicked off by Trump. The countries recognize they may need to lean on other trade relationships to fend off heavy damage on their economies, analysts said. In recent weeks, Trump slapped a 25% tariff on Indian imports and has threatened to double it before the end of the month. That 50% tariff would roughly match the duties that the U.S. levies on many Chinese goods. 'Mr. Trump and his actions may have given it a greater sense of urgency than before," said Harsh Pant, head of strategic studies at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi think tank. 'The Chinese seem to be playing to this idea of 'Look, we are the more reliable partner.'" The India-China trade relationship, at close to $130 billion, is roughly the same size as U.S.-India trade. But India buys far more from China than it does from the U.S. India's growing manufacturing prowess in electronics, for example, remains heavily dependent on Chinese parts, and some in India see more economic collaboration with China as necessary to propel India's manufacturing sector. Beyond trade, Trump's actions have cast a question mark over the direction of the U.S.-India relationship, described rosily by both countries over the past decade as a robust partnership that had shed the prickliness of the past. A strong relationship was natural, political experts argued, given shared concerns over China's growing economic and military heft. India remains deeply invested in the U.S. partnership, an Indian official said, and hopes to work out trade differences. The official noted that the China-India meetings occurring this month have long been in the works. Talks between China and India over how to avoid conflict at the border continued on Tuesday with a meeting between Wang and India's national security adviser Ajit Doval. Both officials applauded the upward trajectory of China-India relations. 'Borders have been quiet, there has been peace and tranquility, our bilateral relations have been more substantial," Doval said during opening remarks. But the two countries face fundamental strategic differences that are unlikely to be resolved. Border disputes could still flare up, as both countries have built permanent infrastructure along it in recent years to prepare for a possible future conflict. India hosts the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist leader in exile who is seen as a separatist by Beijing for his advocacy for greater autonomy for the Tibetan region, which is controlled by China. China, meanwhile, is the strongest ally of rival Pakistan, which deployed Chinese jets in the most recent conflict against India. 'There are inherent tensions in this relationship," Pant said. 'But where the focus will be in the relationship going forward is, can they build a relationship now based on the positives?"
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Economic Times
PM Modi to meet China's top diplomat Wang Yi as Asian powers rebuild ties
ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with China's top diplomat on Tuesday in a sign of easing tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors after a yearslong standoff between the Asian powers. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who arrived in India on Monday, is scheduled to hold talks with Modi and other leaders, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, about the disputed border in the Himalayan mountains. Reducing the number of troops on the border, and resuming some trade there, is expected to be on the agenda. Also Read: China lifts curbs on fertilizers, rare earths & tunnel boring machines to India The rebuilding of ties coincides with friction between New Delhi and Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on India, a longtime ally seen as a counterbalance against China's influence in Asia. India is part of the Quad security alliance with the U.S. along with Australia and Japan. 'Compromise at the highest political level' India and China's decades-old border dispute worsened in 2020 after a deadly clash between their troops in the Ladakh region. The chill in relations affected trade, diplomacy and air travel as both sides deployed tens of thousands of security forces in border areas. Some progress has been made since then. Last year, India and China agreed to a pact on border patrols and withdrew additional forces along some border areas. Both countries continue to fortify their border by building roads and rail networks. In recent months, the countries have increased official visits and discussed easing some trade restrictions, movement of citizens and visas for businesspeople. In June, Beijing allowed pilgrims from India to visit holy sites in Tibet. Both sides are working to restore direct flights. Last week, the spokesman for India's foreign ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, said India and China were in discussions to restart trade through three points along their 3,488-kilometer (2,167-mile) border. Manoj Joshi, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank, said relations are still at an uneasy level of normalization. "Settling the boundary issue between the two countries requires political compromise at the highest political level," said Joshi, who also served as a member of the advisory board for India's National Security Council. He asserted that the countries are "still talking past each other when it comes to the border dispute and issues surrounding it." On Monday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing is willing to take Wang's India visit as an opportunity to work with the Indian side to "properly handle differences and promote the sustained, sound and stable development of China-India relations." Mao said Wang's meeting with Modi's national security adviser will "continue in-depth communication to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas." Modi plans to visit China soon The thaw between Beijing and New Delhi began last October when Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at a summit of emerging economies in Russia. It was the first time the leaders had spoken in person since 2019. Modi is set to met Xi when he travels to China late this month - his first visit in seven years - to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional grouping formed by China, Russia and others to counter U.S. influence in Asia. Earlier this year, Xi called for India and China's relations to take the form of a "dragon-elephant tango" - a dance between the emblematic animals of the countries. Last month, India's external affairs minister visited Beijing in his first trip to China since 2020. The U.S. and Pakistan play roles in the thaw The renewed engagement comes as New Delhi's ties with Trump are fraying. Washington has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, which includes a penalty of 25% for purchasing Russian crude oil. The tariffs take effect Aug. 27. India has shown no sign of backing down, instead signing more agreements with Russia to deepen economic cooperation. Trump's renewed engagement with India's arch rival, Pakistan, has also encouraged New Delhi's overtures to China, said Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda, who led Indian military's Northern Command from 2014 to 2016. In June, Trump hosted Pakistan's army chief for a White House lunch and later announced an energy deal with Islamabad to jointly develop the country's oil reserves. Both followed Trump's claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the two sides traded military strikes in May. That clash saw Pakistan use Chinese-made military jets and missiles against India. "China is heavily invested in Pakistan and, practically speaking, you can't have any expectation that Beijing will hold back support to Islamabad," Hooda said. "But you can't have two hostile neighbors on your borders and simultaneously deal with them also."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
PM Modi to meet China's top diplomat Wang Yi as Asian powers rebuild ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with China's top diplomat on Tuesday in a sign of easing tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors after a yearslong standoff between the Asian powers. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who arrived in India on Monday, is scheduled to hold talks with Modi and other leaders, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, about the disputed border in the Himalayan mountains. Reducing the number of troops on the border, and resuming some trade there, is expected to be on the agenda. Also Read: China lifts curbs on fertilizers, rare earths & tunnel boring machines to India by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Millions of UK Drivers Affected by Inflated Car Finance Fees. My Car Loan Claims Find Now Undo The rebuilding of ties coincides with friction between New Delhi and Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on India, a longtime ally seen as a counterbalance against China's influence in Asia. India is part of the Quad security alliance with the U.S. along with Australia and Japan. 'Compromise at the highest political level' India and China's decades-old border dispute worsened in 2020 after a deadly clash between their troops in the Ladakh region. The chill in relations affected trade, diplomacy and air travel as both sides deployed tens of thousands of security forces in border areas. Live Events Some progress has been made since then. Last year, India and China agreed to a pact on border patrols and withdrew additional forces along some border areas. Both countries continue to fortify their border by building roads and rail networks. In recent months, the countries have increased official visits and discussed easing some trade restrictions, movement of citizens and visas for businesspeople. In June, Beijing allowed pilgrims from India to visit holy sites in Tibet. Both sides are working to restore direct flights. Last week, the spokesman for India's foreign ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, said India and China were in discussions to restart trade through three points along their 3,488-kilometer (2,167-mile) border. Manoj Joshi, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank, said relations are still at an uneasy level of normalization. "Settling the boundary issue between the two countries requires political compromise at the highest political level," said Joshi, who also served as a member of the advisory board for India's National Security Council. He asserted that the countries are "still talking past each other when it comes to the border dispute and issues surrounding it." On Monday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing is willing to take Wang's India visit as an opportunity to work with the Indian side to "properly handle differences and promote the sustained, sound and stable development of China-India relations." Mao said Wang's meeting with Modi's national security adviser will "continue in-depth communication to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas." Modi plans to visit China soon The thaw between Beijing and New Delhi began last October when Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at a summit of emerging economies in Russia. It was the first time the leaders had spoken in person since 2019. Modi is set to met Xi when he travels to China late this month - his first visit in seven years - to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional grouping formed by China, Russia and others to counter U.S. influence in Asia. Earlier this year, Xi called for India and China's relations to take the form of a "dragon-elephant tango" - a dance between the emblematic animals of the countries. Last month, India's external affairs minister visited Beijing in his first trip to China since 2020. The U.S. and Pakistan play roles in the thaw The renewed engagement comes as New Delhi's ties with Trump are fraying. Washington has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, which includes a penalty of 25% for purchasing Russian crude oil. The tariffs take effect Aug. 27. India has shown no sign of backing down, instead signing more agreements with Russia to deepen economic cooperation. Trump's renewed engagement with India's arch rival, Pakistan, has also encouraged New Delhi's overtures to China, said Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda, who led Indian military's Northern Command from 2014 to 2016. In June, Trump hosted Pakistan's army chief for a White House lunch and later announced an energy deal with Islamabad to jointly develop the country's oil reserves. Both followed Trump's claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the two sides traded military strikes in May. That clash saw Pakistan use Chinese-made military jets and missiles against India. "China is heavily invested in Pakistan and, practically speaking, you can't have any expectation that Beijing will hold back support to Islamabad," Hooda said. "But you can't have two hostile neighbors on your borders and simultaneously deal with them also."
