The Supreme Court of India has recently discussed the potential implementation of hologram-based colour-coded stickers for vehicles as a measure to combat air pollution. This discussion comes in light of alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in Delhi, which have risen . The court has emphasised the need for effective enforcement of pollution control measures, particularly the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate norms.
Background of Hologram Stickers
In 2018, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways proposed a scheme for hologram-based stickers. These stickers are designed to identify vehicles based on the type of fuel they use. Petrol and CNG vehicles would receive light blue stickers while diesel vehicles would get orange stickers. The initiative aims to facilitate monitoring of vehicle emissions and restrict the movement of polluting vehicles during poor air quality days.
Supreme Court Deliberations
The Supreme Court has been actively involved in addressing air pollution issues in the National Capital Region (NCR). It has questioned the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) as the AQI approaches hazardous levels. The court has also brought into light the slow progress in affixing hologram stickers to older vehicles registered before April 1, 2019.
Implementation Challenges
A challenge has been the compliance of PUC certificate norms. The court noted that many vehicles on the road do not adhere to these standards, contributing to pollution. The bench has directed the amicus curiae to prepare a detailed report on both the hologram sticker implementation and PUC compliance.
Future Directions
The Supreme Court plans to issue directives to amend the Motor Vehicles (High Security Registration Plates) Order, 2018. This amendment would potentially extend the hologram sticker requirement beyond the NCR to other states and Union territories. The court also suggested that public sector undertakings should prioritise the purchase of electric vehicles to reduce pollution further.
Significance of the Initiative
The introduction of hologram-based stickers is seen as a step towards enhancing vehicle accountability. It aims to provide a visual cue for identifying polluting vehicles and to improve public awareness of air quality issues. The initiative has the potential to impact air quality management in urban areas.
Legislative Framework
The Supreme Court’s discussions have led to amendments in existing laws to provide legal backing for the hologram sticker scheme. This includes changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and the High Security Registration Plate order. The court has indicated it may use its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to enforce compliance more strictly.
Broader Implications
The court’s focus on air pollution reflects a growing concern for environmental health in India. The hologram sticker initiative could serve as a model for other regions facing similar pollution challenges.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of air pollution on public health in urban areas of India.
- What is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)? How is it implemented in response to air quality issues?
- Estimate the challenges faced in enforcing the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate norms in India.
- Point out the significance of using electric vehicles in reducing urban air pollution. Discuss with suitable examples.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of air pollution on public health in urban areas of India.
- Air pollution contributes to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and premature deaths.
- Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, facing increased health risks.
- Studies link high pollution levels to mental health issues and reduced cognitive function.
- Healthcare costs rise due to pollution-related illnesses, burdening the public health system.
- Long-term exposure can lead to chronic conditions, affecting quality of life and productivity.
2. What is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)? How is it implemented in response to air quality issues?
- GRAP is a set of emergency measures to combat air pollution based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
- It categorizes pollution levels into different grades, triggering specific actions at each level.
- Implementation involves restricting vehicle movement, construction activities, and industrial emissions during high pollution days.
- Authorities monitor AQI continuously to enforce GRAP measures effectively.
- Public awareness campaigns are also part of the implementation to educate citizens on pollution control.
3. Estimate the challenges faced in enforcing the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate norms in India.
- Lack of awareness among vehicle owners regarding PUC norms and their importance for air quality.
- Corruption and inefficiency in PUC testing centers leading to fraudulent certificates.
- Inadequate infrastructure and resources for regular monitoring and enforcement of PUC compliance.
- Resistance from vehicle owners to comply due to costs and inconvenience of testing.
- Limited penalties for non-compliance reduce the incentive for adherence to PUC norms.
4. Point out the significance of using electric vehicles in reducing urban air pollution. Discuss with suitable examples.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing local air pollution.
- Examples include Delhi’s initiative to promote EVs through subsidies and infrastructure development.
- EVs contribute to noise pollution reduction, improving urban living conditions.
- Transitioning to EVs supports national goals for sustainable transport and energy independence.
- Public sector undertakings adopting EVs can set a precedent for private sector involvement in pollution reduction.
