EPCA Reminds HCV Makers to Adhere to BS-IV Emission Norms
Published On Feb 14, 2017
Heavy vehicle manufacturers in India have been asked to commit towards switching over to BS-IV manufacturing and assembly lines from existing BS-III ones by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA). It is learnt that many heavy vehicle manufacturers are still producing BS-III compliant vehicles.
The EPCA, in 2016, had researched and claimed that the new BS-IV emission norms will help in curbing air pollution by up to 80 percent. A significant reduction in particulate matter was cited as the main outcome of switching over to BS-IV fuels and new emission norms.
Sources claim that Bajaj Automobiles has already replaced its BS-III vehicle production lines with BS-IV ones. However some CV majors had failed to provide any information on the same. The EPCA, on similar notes has asked various transport departments to inform it about the current status of Pollution Under Control system (PUC). Pollution Under Control system is used by various state authorities to cross check the emission coming out from on-road vehicles.
It is to be noted here that the Centre for Science and Environments (CSE) had earlier pointed towards India's outdated PUC system. CSE is a part of the EPCA. The PUC systems are used to gauge frauds in different emission systems.
The Union Ministries of Petroleum and Road Transport along with the EPCA had together decided on making BS-IV fuel available throughout the nation from April 1, 2017 onwards. EPCA has also been constantly reminding heavy vehicle makers to switchover to BS-IV efficient assembly lines.
EPCA believes the country would have about 75,000 BS-III complaint commercial vehicles in stock after April 1, 2017. The agency is worried as this stock would hinder India’s aim of becoming an improved emission norms compliant country. EPCA is a panel appointed by the Supreme Court of India.
