Submit proposal for using EVs in govt bodies by month-end, SC directs Centre

The top court has been monitoring the problem of air pollution in Delhi in an ongoing PIL filed by advocate and environmental activist MC Mehta since 1985.

While 60 lakh vehicles over the permissible age were plying in Delhi, the number stood at 25 lakh in the NCR, Bhati told the Bench.

“The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) has flagged issues with the large number of overage vehicles plying in the Delhi-NCR. We will issue directions on this when we consider the issue of vehicular pollution,” the Bench said.

The top court further directed the Centre to complete the study on the use of remote-sensing technology to keep vehicular pollution in check within three months.

“Attention is invited to reconsider issue pertaining to remote sensing. The Union of India has sought time of 10-12 months to complete the study. This issue is vital for curbing vehicular pollution. We direct the Union of India to complete the study within three months from today,” the Bench said.

After the FASTag system came into existence, cars zoomed past toll plazas and couldn’t be used anymore to conduct the study, Bhati said, seeking more time.

The proposal for using remote sensing devices for monitoring on-road emission had first come in 2019 from the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, which assists the top court on environment issues.