The Indian Supreme Court’s recent verdict has put a halt on the sale and manufacture of Bharat Stage IV vehicles across the nation effective from April 1, 2020. Consequently, Bharat Stage VI (or BS-VI) emission norm is to be implemented nationwide from the same date. This decision was made while considering whether a grace period should be given to automobile manufacturers for the sale of non-compliant BS-VI vehicles after April 1, 2020.
What Led to this Decision
In 2016, the Indian government announced that the country would bypass the BS-V norms altogether, moving directly to BS-VI norms by 2020 as part of efforts to mitigate vehicular pollution. The Supreme Court concluded that postponing the implementation of these new emission norms could detrimentally affect citizens’ health, given the alarming and critical levels of pollution. It was acknowledged that the right to live in a clean environment devoid of smoke and pollution is intertwined with the “quality” of life, as per Article 21 of the Constitution. Additionally, the Supreme Court noted that maintaining human dignity is impossible without a healthy environment.
Understanding Bharat Stage VI Norms
The Bharat stage norms were established based on European regulations (Euro norms) in 2000 as emission control standards by the Indian government. This was aimed at controlling air pollution and sets specifications/limits for the release of air pollutants from equipment using internal combustion engines, including vehicles. The higher the stage, the more stringent the norms.
Key Alternations in Fuel Quality from BS IV to BS VI
The BS VI norms primarily aim to reduce sulphur content from 50 parts per million (ppm) to 10 ppm, as sulphur contributes to fine particulate matter emissions. Additionally, BS VI norms strive to diminish the level of certain harmful hydrocarbons in the emissions produced due to incomplete combustion of fuel.
Challenges in Implementation
The transition towards BS-VI compliance presents significant challenges. Automakers require considerable time for research and development to design a new engine or adjust existing engines to comply with latest norms. Once the research and development are accomplished, automakers face the challenge of setting up full-scale production. These efforts result in additional costs which eventually makes the vehicle more expensive for the end customer. Given the price sensitivity of the Indian market, this can be a major concern for automakers.
Furthermore, vehicles compliant with stricter emission regulations require cleaner fuel for operation. It is impractical to reduce pollution from internal combustion engines while using low-quality fuel. This necessitates substantial investments to upgrade oil refineries to produce higher quality fuel and to invest in infrastructure to distribute that fuel nationwide.
| Existing Norms | Sulphur Content | Hydrocarbons Emission |
|---|---|---|
| Bharat Stage IV | 50 ppm | Higher |
| Bharat Stage VI | 10 ppm | Lower |
The Road Ahead
India is home to some of the most polluted cities in the world, with automobiles being one of the key contributors. The implementation of advanced norms is paramount as India, the world’s third-largest emitter of Greenhouse gases after China and the US, has ratified the Paris climate deal to combat climate change. As per this agreement, by 2030, India must reduce its carbon footprint by 33-35% compared to the 2005 levels. Therefore, adopting BS-VI norms as early as possible is crucial for controlling pollution levels and adhering to international emission regulations, ultimately contributing to pollution reduction.
