Delhi-NCR Clean Mobility Scheme

Context

The Union Cabinet has approved a two-year Clean Mobility Scheme for Delhi-NCR to encourage the replacement of old and polluting trucks and buses with BS-VI or higher-emission-compliant vehicles. The scheme is expected to benefit around 2.07 lakh commercial vehicles, including nearly 1.91 lakh trucks and 16,329 buses.

Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Norms

1. Bharat Stage (BS) norms are emission standards prescribed by the Government of India to regulate pollutants released by motor vehicles.
2. Evolution of BS norms:

1. 1. BS-II: 2000 (four-wheelers) and 2001 (heavy vehicles)
   2. BS-III: 2005
   3. BS-IV: 2010
   4. BS-VI: 2020

1. India directly transitioned from BS-IV to BS-VI, bypassing BS-V.
2. BS-VI standards mandate cleaner fuels, stricter emission limits, and advanced pollution-control technologies.

Rationale for the Scheme

1. Delhi-NCR has nearly 2.98 crore registered vehicles, making transport a major contributor to air pollution.
2. Older commercial vehicles contribute disproportionately to emissions of PM2.5, NOx, and other harmful pollutants.
3. These emissions adversely affect air quality and pose significant public health risks.
4. A substantial share of commercial buses and trucks in the region still operate under pre-BS-VI standards.

Impact of Legacy Vehicles on Air Quality

1. Older vehicles operate under less stringent emission norms and generate significantly higher emissions.
2. Engine deterioration over time reduces combustion efficiency and increases pollutant release.
3. Most legacy vehicles lack advanced emission-control technologies such as:

1. 1. Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF)
   2. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems

4. Consequently, they emit substantially higher levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides than BS-VI-compliant vehicles.

Key Features of the Scheme

1. Encourages the replacement of ageing commercial vehicles with cleaner alternatives.
2. BS-III and older vehicles are required to be scrapped.
3. BS-IV vehicles may either be scrapped or sold outside NCR.
4. Such vehicles cannot be transferred to cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
5. Government-owned vehicles are excluded from the scheme.

Significance

1. Facilitates the transition towards a cleaner commercial vehicle fleet.
2. Reduces emissions of PM2.5, NOx, and other harmful pollutants.
3. Supports improved air quality and public health outcomes in Delhi-NCR.
4. Promotes the adoption of cleaner technologies and stricter emission standards.
5. Complements India’s broader clean mobility and environmental goals.

Related Initiatives and Institutional Framework

1. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate pollution in non-attainment cities.
2. PM-eBus Sewa Scheme promotes cleaner public transport through electric buses.
3. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) coordinates air quality management measures across Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas.
4. CAQM assessments indicate that a significant proportion of commercial vehicles in the region still belong to pre-BS-VI categories, highlighting the need for fleet modernisation.

Conclusion

The Clean Mobility Scheme addresses a major source of urban air pollution by accelerating the replacement of ageing commercial vehicles. Its effective implementation can strengthen clean-air efforts, improve public health outcomes, and support the transition towards sustainable urban transport.