The Supreme Court on August 13 approved the central government’s proposal to use color-coded stickers on vehicles running only in New Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) for classifying vehicles on the type of fuel used in an effort to help control air pollution.
The scheme is based on the model being used in Paris, it entails the use of blue stickers to be used for vehicles running on petrol and CNG and orange stickers for diesel vehicles.
This scheme will help restrict the use of vehicles on days when the pollution levels are severe. The central government has supported the said scheme and said it will be a more scientific way than the odd-even scheme.
A three-judge SC bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and comprising Justice A. M. Khanwilkar and D. Y. Chandrachud was hearing the petition filed by noted environmentalist M. C. Mehta, seeking a direction to take proper steps to tackle rising level of pollution in Delhi and NCR.
The SC also asked Additional Solicitor General ANS Nadkarni, who was representing the ministry, to consider having green number plates for electric and hybrid vehicles. In response, Mr. Nadkarni told the court that the ministry would look into it and take a decision soon.
“Additional Solicitor General appearing on behalf of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways says that there is no objection to the suggestion made by amicus curiae about putting stickers on the vehicles,” the bench noted in its order.
