Now that is one statement (or
observation) - that is going to last as long as vehicular pollution remains -
that means eternity - going by the present state of affairs the human
civilization has.
During arguments on pleas of some
vehicle makers, the Supreme Court remarked so yesterday - and it was such a
delight to ears.
After all, we live in a society
where the term 'VIP' has become a cultural phenomenon - so much so - that no
one bothers what its expanded form means. I am sure there would be countless
who would not be knowing what the term 'VIP' expand to - but they profoundly
know what does it mean.
The Supreme Court in its December
16, 2015 order had banned registration of diesel vehicles over 2000 cc (and
plus) in Delhi and NCR till March 2016. That was indeed a much delayed welcome
step.
Bigger vehicles are notorious the
world over and most environment sensitive regimes have started rejecting them -
using a slapstick quip for them - gas guzzlers.
That is now coming to India and
we should whole heartedly accept that.
Big vehicles are no doubt a
luxury and most big vehicles are run on diesel. In a flat tone we can say they
are not for masses. The most affordable range for cars in India is around Rs. 5
Lakh. Those who wish to upgrade and can afford go for various models with
prices in the range Rs. 5 to 15 Lakh.
Now, Rs. 5 Lakh is a safe bet and
cars in this range are basically run on petrol.
It is in the next price-slab,
i.e., Rs. 5 to 15 Lakh, that people have fast moved to diesel vehicles with
every maker, including even Honda (famed for its petrol engines), launching its
diesel variants. The reasons vary - but the basic thing is the higher fuel
economy as claimed by the vehicle makers as compared to petrol vehicles - and
the relative lower retail price of diesel.
And the trend has been severe in
metros like Delhi - with more higher income groups - or long distances to cover
in your daily life.
And these diesel vehicles are not
gas guzzlers.
Yes, but they all are polluting
our environment as the experts say - as the court has rightly said the
automakers to prove with documentary evidence that how their vehicles are less
polluting or at par with petrol vehicles.
And it is a most welcome
observation by the Supreme Court - with another possibility that in future the
top court may include all diesel vehicles being registered in Delhi and NCR.