New Delhi (Delhi) [India], April 30 (HBTV): Following orders of the Supreme Court of India, the Delhi Government on Wednesday notified an increase in the Environmental Compensation Charge (ECC) on commercial vehicles entering the national capital.
According to a press release, the notification has been issued in pursuance of a proposal by the Commission for Air Quality Management, which recommended revision of ECC rates to restore the deterrent value of the charge and discourage the entry of polluting commercial vehicles into Delhi.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, 'This is a landmark step in Delhi's fight against air pollution. The revised ECC is not merely a revenue measure; it is a strong environmental deterrent meant to discourage polluting commercial vehicles, especially diesel vehicles, from entering the capital unnecessarily.'
He added, 'Delhi cannot continue to bear the burden of avoidable vehicular pollution. By increasing ECC, the Government is sending a clear message that polluting entry into Delhi will carry a significantly higher environmental cost.'
As per the revised structure, the ECC for Category 2 (light-duty vehicles) and Category 3 (two-axle trucks) has been increased from INR 1,400 to INR 2,000. For Category 4 (three-axle trucks) and Category 5 (four-axle trucks and above), the ECC has been raised from INR 2,600 to INR 4,000.
The Supreme Court of India, while considering the proposal submitted by the Commission for Air Quality Management, found it to be reasonable, just and fair, and approved the revisions along with an annual enhancement. The Court further clarified that a 5 per cent increase will take effect from April each year.
Highlighting the intent behind the annual revision, Sirsa said, 'A one-time increase alone is not enough. The annual 5 per cent escalation is necessary to preserve the deterrent value of ECC over time, account for inflationary trends, and steadily nudge commercial transporters away from polluting modes towards cleaner and non-polluting alternatives.'
The decision follows an assessment that the ECC, originally fixed in 2015, had lost part of its deterrent effect over time.
The Supreme Court of India also emphasised that commercial and other heavy vehicles not required to enter Delhi, except for essential commodities and necessary purposes, should use expressways constructed to bypass the city, thereby avoiding payment of the revised ECC. This direction reinforces the policy objective of reducing unnecessary vehicular load and pollution within the national capital.
Sirsa said, 'Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Government is taking a multi-pronged approach to protect the city's air. Action is being taken on all fronts—regulatory, technological, enforcement-based and behavioural—so that Delhi can move towards cleaner mobility and healthier living.'
He further said, 'This decision must be seen as part of a larger clean air strategy. Our Government is committed to ensuring that those who contribute more to pollution face stronger disincentives, while cleaner pathways become more viable and more attractive.'
The revised ECC framework is expected to strengthen efforts to reduce unnecessary entry of polluting commercial vehicles and support Delhi’s broader clean air management strategy. (ANI)