NGT to hear Delhi car dealers' plea today

Dealers are seeking modification of NGT's interim order to clear 2015 stocks that they may find difficult to sell once the year ends

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), which imposed a 26-day ban on registration of diesel vehicles in Delhi last Friday, has agreed to hear a plea from the dealers. The latter are seeking a modification of the NGT’s interim order to clear their stocks that they might find difficult to sell once the year ends.

“Let it (car dealers’ plea) come tomorrow (Tuesday),” the Press Trust of India quoted the bench headed by NGT Chairperson Swatanter Kumar as saying. NGT had imposed an interim ban on registration of diesel vehicles in Delhi till January 6, the next date of hearing in the matter. Car makers offer steep and comparatively higher discounts every year around December to clear stocks. The recent NGT order meant dealers would not be able to sell diesel vehicles from their inventory.

The NGT order dated December 11 came a week after the Delhi government announced it would allow private cars on its roads only on alternate days from January 1, to reduce air pollution.

Diesel vehicles are considered more polluting than petrol ones as they emit higher nitrogen oxide and particulate matter. Delhi is the sixth largest market for passenger vehicles; auto makers sold 182,115 vehicles in FY15.

NGT had also directed the Central and state governments to take a ‘conscientious decision’ not to buy any diesel vehicle. It directed the corporations, police and other public departments in Delhi to prepare a plan to phase out diesel vehicles, especially trucks.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers  has also requested the

NGT to allow an opportunity to make a representation on the matter.