The diesel ban which was imposed on diesel cars with capacity greater than 2000cc in the capital, was recently withdrawn. There are different ways to curb pollution and banning diesel vehicles did not seem plausible.

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The National Green Tribunal was vital in imposing the ban in the first place

The diesel ban uncertainty was a dark cloud looming around in the minds of numerous customers and diesel aficionados. 16th December 2015 was seen as a black day in the Indian automobile sector as there was a restriction placed on vehicles with capacity greater than 2000cc in the country’s capital .

Many experts claimed the ban as an unscientific and interim solution, rather than having a consummate approach. Many foreign brands like Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, incurred great losses due to the imposed ban and have since taken remedial measures to rectify the same. Maruti Suzuki went on to explore hybrid options soon after the ban whereas Mahindra ensured their products weren’t part of the ban by launching a 1.99-litre diesel engine for its full-size SUVs.

After all the turbulence, the Supreme Court, on Friday has finally cleared the diesel ban with a minimal charge on customers. The environmental protection charge, which is said to be 1% of the ex-showroom price of the car they purchase, will be levied by the government. The infliction, is temporary and is subject to change anytime in the future.

The panel figured out that the ban was not just directed at emission control, but had affected the automotive sector too simultaneously. Usage of environment-friendly vehicles along with improvements in public transport and old vehicles, could be deemed as a holistic solution.

Diesel Ban Lifted

– The ban was imposed earlier in December last year, coming as a shock to the automobile sector
– Many experts deemed the move as unscientific and that, it proposed an incomplete solution
– 1% of the ex-showroom price of the car will be levied as green cess by the government
– Usage of environment-friendly vehicles, treatment of old diesel vehicles seem the way to go, now that the pollution has gone down slowly

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