No CNG for Kolkata cars, says Centre

The central government stated in its affidavit filed in the Bharat Stage 2 case before Calcutta High Court that it was not in a position to supply compressed natural gas (CNG) in Kolkata as it required a pipeline which was not feasible.

S K Kapoor, additional solicitor general of India, filed the affidavit today before the division bench of Chief Justice A K Mathur and Justice A K Banerjee . Kapoor said it was not possible for the central government to supply CNG in Kolkata to run vehicles.

Earlier, the state government had filed a petition asking for extension of the deadline for enforcing that every vehicle within Kolkata metro area conformed to Bharat stage 2 from April 2, 2004.

Balai Ray, state advocate general, said it was not possible owing to technical difficulties. The government required more time to implement the High Court's relevant order of April 3, 2003.

The court had directed the state government to ensure that within one year, all vehicles within Kolkata metropolitan city area should conform to Bharat stage 2 norms.

Automobile Association of Eastern India (AAEI) and Calcutta Chamber of Commerce today filed petitions stating it was possible to conform with the norms provided in the central government auto fuel policy of 2003.

Vehicle conversion to Bharat stage 2 was not required. Both prayed for modification of April 2003 order. The hearing will continue on March 30.