Will There be a Restriction on Diesel Vehicles in Delhi?

The ever growing car market in India brings cheers to the hearts of those looking to purchase a new car. Every year we see car manufacturers bringing out new cars; 2014 saw over 60 car launches in India, and the number slides north with every passing year.

And considering the fuel-prices here, the number of diesel cars sold has been higher as compared to petrol cars. However, in October 2014, the Indian government deregularised diesel prices, thus leading to a drop in the difference between the prices of the two fuel types.

Despite the now comparable prices, diesel cars continue to gain popularity, thus, leaving car manufacturers with no option but to introduce new models with diesel powertrains. We can take the case of Honda, who succumbed to this pressure and finally ventured into making a diesel powertrain. The company had been on the back foot before introducing cars with a diesel engine; things are different now as it expands its footprint in India with new products.

Also Read: Three Indian Cities in the Top 10 List Of Worst Traffic Conditions in the World

This huge demand for diesel cars also implies an adverse effect on the pollution statistics. With this growing concern, the Centre has suggested restricting the entry of diesel vehicles in Delhi's busy market areas to curb pollution. Considering that fact that the World Health Organisation recently rated Delhi as the most polluted city in the world, though India has contested that claim, the Centre's suggestion seems like a wise move.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Chandni Chowk has one of the highest densities of particulate matter (air pollutants) in the country. The Delhi government and the Union environment ministry have been in talks to chalk out an action plan to control the entry of diesel and other polluting vehicles to places Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh and Lajpat Nagar. And this was just one of the many suggestions.

Also Read: France to Ban Diesel Cars

Suggestions ranged from providing free transport from the nearest parking lot to a complete ban on traffic in certain areas, and even a congestion tax. However, there's nothing concrete for the time being.

Considering that 1400 cars are added to Delhi roads every day, the situation is only going to worsen. The time to act, hence, is now.