Emission norms to be implemented from next year: Javadekar

New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar Thursday said BS-VI emission norms will be implemented from next year which will drastically reduce vehicular pollution.

Speaking at a World Environment Day function here, Javadekar said, the Narendra Modi government had decided to switch to BS (Bharat Stage) IV vehicles in 2022 but looking at the poor air situation, it was advanced by four years.

He said from 2020 onwards BS-VI compliant vehicles will be available. "Delhi's air began deteriorating in 2007. Narendra Modi government took the challenge with a solution-oriented approach. That is why a decision was taken to jump to BS IV fuel vehicles, which were to be shifted to by 2022, fours years in advance.

"Now in Delhi and in other places, from 2020 onwards, BS VI fuel will be available and such vehicles will also be prepared for which lot of hard work is required. But it is a commitment and it will be fulfilled. Vehicular pollution will drastically reduce with this effort," he said, adding that over Rs 60,000 crore has been invested in this direction. He said air pollution is a global challenge and it requires concerted efforts by all stakeholders to deal with the challenge.

"Air pollution is there. But it is not a question mark just for India. It is a global issue. Every country reels under pollution because the population is increasing and so are facilities. "We all are working to meet this challenge. UN-led global climate change and clear air coalition is being made and India will be a part of it and will do good work," he said.

Javadekar also hailed Modi government for its work towards completing peripheral road around Delhi which has reduced entry of trucks in the capital city and helped in reducing pollution.

"The peripheral road around Delhi was pending for the last 20 years. We have completed it in the last four years. Its completion has reduced the entry of trucks to Delhi and has, in turn, reduced the pollution caused by them. "Only a small patch is left to be finished and once that is done, no truck will pass through Delhi to reach other destinations. This step will reduce a lot of pollution," he said.