Court stops registration of diesel vehicles

India’s environmental court barred registration of new diesel-powered vehicles in New Delhi until January 6 as the country’s capital takes steps to curb emissions.

The National Green Tribunal also asked the Delhi state administration and the federal government to make a “conscientious decision” to not buy diesel-engine vehicles in the city, according to an order posted on its website. The court also directed state-owned companies and all government-related organizations in the municipality to present plans for phasing out diesel vehicles.

The order comes as the New Delhi state government prepares to restrict the number of cars on its roads by implementing license platebased driving bans starting January 1.

The world’s most polluted city is grappling with rising levels of unclean air as winter sets in, triggering a surge in respiratory diseases. India’s federal government last month proposed bringing forward implementation of stricter emission norms for new vehicles.

The country’s automakers group said on Thursday it supports implementing new rules earlier than the current deadline of 2019.

The US embassy in New Delhi classified the city’s air early yesterday evening as hazardous. It advised people with heart or lung diseases, older adults and children to avoid outdoor activity.