Question : Emission by Vehicles

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the concern expressed by the experts including Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) regarding vulnerability of the country to Volkswagen like frauds regarding low emission level and if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto;
(b) whether the present system for checking the Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate is inadequate to meet the emerging challenges;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
(d) whether currently the vehicle certification agencies do not select the vehicles for tests but give proper notice to manufacturers, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(e) whether globally there are independent agencies/authorities to check emission; and
(f) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be introduced in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI G.M. SIDDESHWARA)

(a): Yes Madam, Government is planning to introduce in-service compliance in addition to the existing mandatory laboratory level tests on the prototype vehicles. It has been included in Draft notification of BS-V norms by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

(b) & (c): ARAI has informed that currently PUC check indicates only measurement of the vehicles when the engine is idle and vehicle is stationary. Ministry of Road Tranport & Highways, Govt of India has planned 10 automated I&M (Inspection and Maintenance) model centres on the pilot basis. These centres will have capability of doing emission measurements on roller benches, which would be much more realistic measurement of vehicle emissions than the current PUC checks on stationary vehicles. Further it is planned that the number of I&M centres will be multiplied in individual States, through PPP (Public Private Participation) basis. Some of the State Govts had already taken initiative and are in the process of establishing I&M centres.

(d): No Madam, test agencies carry out selection of the vehicles as per the defined procedure. Intimation is given to the manufacturers so that logistics related to documentation, segregation and movement of vehicles is done properly.

(e) & (f): Yes Madam, in some of the countries like USA and South Korea vehicles are self-certified by manufacturers. In the USA, EPA / CARB independently checks the violations, if any. In Europe, test agencies like TUV, VCA, IDIADA will provide 3rd party certification. India follows European model. Under new Safety Bill, MoRTH is planning to introduce independent body for monitoring the necessary checks.
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