India's Bold Push for Cleaner Air: New Scheme to Revamp Delhi-NCR Mobility

The Union Cabinet approved a two-year scheme to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner mobility in Delhi-NCR, funded by the National Capital Region Planning Board. The initiative aims to replace older vehicles with BS-VI compliant or EVs, providing tax incentives and discounts, and is expected to significantly improve air quality.

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit a two-year initiative to curtail air pollution and enhance cleaner mobility across the Delhi-NCR region. This strategy, financed through the National Capital Region Planning Board, falls under the purview of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and will be executed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways along with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Collaboration with the States and Union Territories including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh is integral to its implementation.

With a hefty Rs.9,585 crore budget comprising Rs.5,041 crore from the Central Government and Rs.1,601 crore in state tax concessions, the scheme incentivizes the replacement of BS-IV or older trucks and buses with BS-VI compliant or electric vehicles. By promoting this transition to advanced transport technologies, the scheme aims to drastically cut vehicular emissions and enhance air quality across the region.

Transportation remains a major source of pollution in Delhi-NCR, contributing substantially to PM 2.5, Carbon Monoxide, and Nitrogen Oxide emissions. Currently, trucks and buses, though making up only a small fraction of the vehicular fleet, contribute disproportionately to PM 2.5 emissions. This initiative, targeting over two lakh vehicle owners, requires that older vehicles be scrapped or relocated, with financial incentives extended to encourage the adoption of more sustainable transportation options.