Delhi cabinet approves new policy on pollution

On December 24, 2019, CM of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal introduced a new policy to make Delhi the capital of Electric vehicles. Under the policy, the government has planned to provide subsidies to electric vehicles.

Highlights

The goal of the policy is to ensure that 25% of new vehicles registered are electric by 2024. Along with electric vehicles, the government also has planned to construct 250 charging stations. It also includes 20% of the parking enabled for electric vehicles. The policy has been drafted after feedback from UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) experts, International Transport Council. The draft of the policy was already made public in November 2018.

The policy is important as the vehicles have been major cause of pollution emitting 80% of carbon monoxide, 40% of PM 2.5 and 80% of nitrogen oxides.

Why Electric Vehicles as a solution?

Electric Vehicles are constantly being promoted all over the world as they do not emit pollution. Also, the central government has reduced GST rates for electric vehicles. These vehicles will help India achieve the target of reducing green house gas emissions by 33% by 2030 as compared to 2005 levels.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019