The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a non-profit research and advocacy organisation, has recently released a report on the need and parameters of an effective vehicle scrapping policy for India. Given the challenges posed by an aging fleet of polluting vehicles, the report provides insights into the steps India can take to manage and mitigate these challenges.
Centre’s Proposed Scrappage Policy
The report was released amid the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ preparation of a policy for voluntary and environment-friendly phasing out of unfit and old polluting vehicles. The comprehensive plan is currently pending Cabinet approval, after which it will apply to all vehicles regardless of their type or usage.
The Issue of Aging Vehicles
According to predictions, India will have over two crore old vehicles reaching the end of their lifespan by 2025. These outdated, inefficient vehicles pose a substantial environmental risk, significantly contributing to air pollution. A well-designed and effectively implemented vehicle scrapping policy could significantly alleviate this looming problem.
Existing Environmental Initiatives
Several initiatives are already in place in an attempt to mitigate vehicle-related pollution. The introduction of Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Standards offers a chance to replace old vehicles with those that are considerably cleaner. For instance, BS-VI heavy-duty vehicles emit 35 times fewer particulates than their BS-I counterparts.
In 2020, the Delhi government introduced the Electric Vehicles Policy 2020, emphasising the replacement of two-wheelers, public transport, shared vehicles, and goods-carriers with electric vehicles (EVs).
The National Clean Air Programme also outlines measures for phasing out old vehicles as part of wider clean air action plans.
Recommendations from the Report
The report proposes several recommendations for the successful implementation of a vehicle scrapping policy. Safe disposal and material recovery are highlighted as essential parameters of any effective policy.
The replacement of old vehicles should ideally maximise emission reductions and material recovery for use in new vehicles or other industries. In particular, recovery of materials like steel, aluminium, and plastic from dilapidated vehicles could contribute to a more circular economy.
It also suggests that the scrappage scheme should incentivise the replacement of personal cars and two-wheelers with EVs.
In addition to these, vehicles should not contain toxic metals like lead, mercury, cadmium or hexavalent chromium, except in specific conditions.
The report further underscores the importance of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), calling for legally binding rules and the development of appropriate infrastructure for environmentally sound vehicle scrappage across India.
Linking Scrappage Policy with Economic Recovery
The CSE report emphasises the potential benefits of linking economic recovery and fiscal stimulus strategies with the replacement of older heavy-duty vehicles with BS-VI vehicles. This approach could also contribute to the larger objective of post-Covid-19 green recovery efforts.
A well-designed scrappage policy, according to the CSE, is key to reducing emissions, mitigating environmental damages, and recovering materials from scrapped vehicles – all leading towards a greener, more sustainable India.