Old diesel truck check in Delhi so far a mockery, say experts

As NGT (National Green Tribunal) has levied a ban on entry of 10 years and older vehicles in New Delhi, be it private vehicles or trucks. As the extension has been given as Delhi government claims about 53 vehicles were checked at Burari’s regional transport office (RTO). SP Singh of the IFTRT (Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training) stated, “The idea was to do a reality check of a sufficient number of trucks that are older than 10 years.

However, the transporter’s body asked only those vehicles which were in good condition to come for the check…

it was a complete farce.”

Other than IFTRT, the centre has requested IIT Delhi and Centre for Science and Environment to join in as well. The Delhi government has plans to check 100 vehicles that are older than 10 years and 100 that are under 10 years old to understand the emission pattern. Based on these readings, a report will be submitted to NGT.

Transport minister Gopal Rai was present throughout the inspection and he mentioned, “The transport department has set a daily target of checking of 100 commercial vehicles till the exercise is completed.

” However Mr Singh from IFTRT wasn’t happy as he said that the transporters had sent the best possible 53 vehicles and they arrived after noon, when the transport minister and the IFTRT officials had arrived a lot earlier. He stated, “Till noon, not a single vehicle had come for the inspection despite both the transport minister and the commissioner being present. The transporters body, whose representatives were there, were on the phone asking for vehicles that were in good condition to come for the check.”

Source: ET