Delhi's Strict Move Against Non-BS VI Vehicles
Delhi has taken a firm step to combat air pollution. The government has banned non-BS VI private vehicles registered outside the capital from entering the city. This decision aims to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality. Traffic police are actively checking vehicles at borders like Delhi-Noida to enforce this rule.
Why Bharat Stage Norms Matter for UPSC
Air pollution is a critical issue across India, not just in Delhi. Many cities face severe air quality problems. Vehicular emissions are a major contributor to this pollution. Understanding Bharat Stage norms is essential for UPSC aspirants. Questions on this topic frequently appear in both Prelims and Mains exams. The norms regulate pollutants from vehicles, making them a key part of environmental and polity studies.
What Are Bharat Stage Norms?
Bharat Stage emission norms are India's standards for controlling pollution from motor vehicles. They set legal limits on exhaust emissions. These include pollutants like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Each new BS version tightens these limits. This push forces manufacturers to adopt cleaner technologies and fuels.
India first introduced emission norms in 1991. They were tightened in 1996, requiring upgrades like catalytic converters. Fuel specifications based on environmental needs came in 1996, implemented by 2000. After a Supreme Court order in 1999, BS-I and BS-II norms were notified, similar to Euro I and II standards.
Evolution of BS Norms
From April 2005, BS-III and BS-II norms applied to 13 major cities and the rest of India, respectively. By April 2010, BS-IV and BS-III norms were in place in these cities and nationwide. BS-IV norms spread across India from April 2017. In 2016, India decided to skip BS-V and jump directly to BS-VI by 2020.
Key emissions controlled include carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are also important. Each higher standard needs better fuel. For example, BS-IV vehicles require BS-IV fuel.
Differences Between BS-IV and BS-VI
Pre-BS IV vehicles lack effective exhaust-cleaning systems. BS-IV vehicles use basic oxidation catalysts with limited control over fine particulates. The main difference with BS-VI is sulphur content. BS-VI fuel reduces sulphur by about 80%, from 50 ppm to 10 ppm. This makes it comparable to Euro 6 standards.
Under BS-VI, modern exhaust after-treatment systems are mandatory. These include diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction units. They act as filters and reactors, trapping or breaking down harmful gases before release. Catalytic converters turn toxic gases into less harmful substances. Diesel particulate filters cut particulate matter emissions by over 90%.
Delhi's Leadership in Emission Norms
Delhi has often implemented stricter norms earlier than the rest of India. BS-II norms started in Delhi in 2001, BS-III in 2005, and BS-IV in 2010. This early adoption addresses the city's persistent air pollution issues. The Central Pollution Control Board supports these efforts.
Commission for Air Quality Management
The Commission for Air Quality Management was established under the CAQM Act of 2021. It began functioning on April 13, 2021. This body coordinates and resolves air quality issues in the NCR and adjoining areas. It has powers to take measures and issue directions to improve air quality. The chairperson must have at least 15 years of environmental experience or 25 years of administrative experience.
Current Statistics and Impact
Recent data shows over 41 lakh end-of-life two-wheelers are pre-BS, BS-I, or BS-II. More than 25 lakh cars and other vehicles are BS-III. Delhi's ban targets these older, polluting vehicles. The government also requires valid Pollution Under Control Certificates for fuel purchases in the city.
BS VI vehicles significantly reduce particulate matter and other emissions. This helps tackle air pollution effectively. For UPSC aspirants, grasping these details is crucial for exam success and understanding environmental policies.
