“India’s top court issued several orders Wednesday to fight record pollution in New Delhi, including a temporary ban on the sale of large diesel vehicles and a stiff hike on the toll fScreen Shot 2015-12-16 at 7.25.45 AMor trucks entering the capital. The Supreme Court also banned trucks from entering the city if they’re over 10 years old or are just transiting through. In addition, all taxis in the area, including private ride-hailing services such as Uber, have to switch to compressed natural gas by March 31.

The orders were widely welcomed by environmentalists, who said strong action was required because New Delhi was choking with dense smog…

…Less than two weeks ago, the city’s government announced that from Jan. 1-15, private cars will be allowed on New Delhi’s roads only on alternate days, depending on whether their license plates end in an even or an odd number. New Delhi authorities also announced plans to shut down one of the city’s oldest and least efficient thermal power plants.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ordered sales of all diesel vehicles with an engine capacity of more than 2,000cc to be halted for the next three months in New Delhi and nearby suburbs. It also doubled the toll for diesel-fueled trucks that enter the city, raising it to 2,600 rupees ($39).

Diesel-fueled trucks account for more than half of India’s vehicle emissions.

Chief Justice Tirath Singh Thakur also ordered New Delhi authorities to strictly impose restrictions on the burning of waste. Despite a ban, black clouds of smoke are often seen in the city as gardeners and sanitation workers burn leaves and garbage in the open.” US News and World Report (AP). Read it on delhiair.org.

India’s top court issues new rules on vehicles to curb extreme air pollution in New Delhi