Question : NGT Orders and Concession to Farmers

(a) whether the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed to ban the use of diesel engine and tractor being used for agricultural purpose;

(b) if so, whether the Government is contemplating to ban the said order or to take steps to revert the order;

(c) the steps being taken by the Government for the farmers as their income is not sufficient for purchasing new pumping set and tractor after every ten years; and

(d) whether the Government has requested for special concession for the farmers from the NGT and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a): As per the order of the Principal Bench of NGT, New Delhi, dated 7th April, 2015, it is directed by the Hon’ble Tribunal that all diesel vehicles (Heavy or light) which are more than 10 years old and petrol vehicles more than 15 years old, will not be permitted on the roads of NCR, Delhi. This order includes all the Diesel engine Vehicles including tractors.

(b): The Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has already taken decision to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India for granting relief to farmers by exempting the Agricultural tractors and other agricultural machinery from purview of NGT order.

(c): The financial assistance is provided for the purchase of Tractors and pump sets under the Sub-mission on Agriculture Mechanization Scheme, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY), National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP), National Food Security Mission (NFSM) of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare through respective State Governments.

(d): The Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has already taken decision to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India for granting relief to farmers by exempting the Agricultural Tractors and other agricultural machinery from purview of NGT order.

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