India needs to wake up to damage done by incentivising use of diesel: Omar Abdullah

He added that manufacturers of SUVs need to be encouraged or forced to make their products with the option of a petrol engine

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said India needs to wake up to the damage done by incentivising the use of diesel.

"There is no doubt that diesel is a terrible fuel, the west soon woke up to the damage done by incentivising its use. Same must be done here," Omar wrote on Twitter.

He was apparently reacting to the National Green Tribunal's direction to Delhi government on the registration of vehicles operating on diesel.

Omar said the manufacturers of sports utility vehicles (SUV) need to be encouraged or forced to make their entire range of products with the option of a petrol engine.
 
"For many people not buying a diesel vehicle isn't an option - manufacturers don't supply petrol versions. Look at SUVs-token petrol options.

"SUV/8-seater manufacturers will have to be encouraged/forced to supply the entire range of vehicles with the option of a petrol engine," he added.