The state government now hopes to extend the anti-pollution norm to all four-wheelers to be registered in the state from November 1. However, a notification issued by the federal surface transport ministry has said the India-2000 Stage Two emission norm, under which all commercial and public vehicles are covered, would be implemented in Calcutta from August 1, 2001.

The transport industry believes that in the light of this notification it would be difficult for the state government to implement its decision nine months in advance. The federal government notification stipulates the introduction of the norm in Mumbai from January 1, 2001, and in Chennai from August 1, 2001. According to West Bengal transport department officials, the argument being forwarded by the state government is that it had the power, under the Pollution Control Act, to issue such notification irrespective of the federal transport ministry directive. Already the state government is facing tough resistance from transport operators in its efforts to implement the pollution control measures.

The federal authority's directive is expected to be used by the transport unions as a way to block the state government's efforts. Various associations of private transport operators, including the powerful Bengal Bus Syndicate and the Bengal Taxi Association, which together control all commuter buses and taxis in the state, had last year declared a war against the government decision to make it mandatory for vehicles hitting Calcutta streets to conform to emission standards. The government twice postponed implementation of its decision in the face of stiff opposition.

However, the government's announcement on emission compliance this time has not broached the controversial issue of phasing out vehicles older than 15 years. Much of the agitation of the transport operators was against this decision, which was inspired by such a step taken by the Delhi state government. Official sources said owners of old vehicles would, for the time being, have to either replace the engines or switch over to alternative fuel like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The government is yet to determine the cut-off age for private vehicles and it may now consider bringing down the "retirement age" for cars to eight years.

The controversial issue of "retiring" old vehicles has been referred to a core committee which is yet to come out with its recommendations. The government is, however, not expected to have major problems with bringing into force the India-2000 emission norms for all new vehicles as automobile manufacturers have now more or less equipped their vehicles with the standards. Even the diesel Ambassador cars made by the Hindustan Motors, which are mostly used as taxis in the state, have fitted the gadgets required to conform to emission norms. The India-2000 and the Stage Two norms, certified by the federal government, are a mish-mash of the Euro-I and II emission standards tailored to suit Indian road conditions.

The court directive on compliance with Euro-I and II emission standards sent a ripple down the automobile industry in the country as all car makers scurried to make modifications in their vehicles. The India-2000 norms, which were to come into effect throughout the country from April 1, 2000, stipulates that a petrol vehicle cannot emit more than 2.72 gm of carbon monoxide per km. For hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen, the limit is 0.97 gm per km. Te emission standards for a diesel vehicle will vary with its weight.

(India Abroad News Service)