In efforts to curb rising pollution levels in the country, the government will soon make it mandatory for automakers to take back old vehicles and recycle them. Old technology and poorly maintained vehicles release a considerable amount of toxic gases in air. Unlike recycling policies in developed nations, India does not have any, therefore most of the old vehicles land up at private scrapyards.
The Government wants the new policy to be introduced in 2017. The policy will be effective once the environment ministry issues a notification for the same. The new rule is expected to be on similar guidelines as put forth for electronic goods. All vehicles which have become unworthy for regular use or has exceeded the time period after which it remains usable. Along with new norms for dismantling and recycling centres in the country, the automaker will also get sufficient time between one and three years to follow them.
Data estimates from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), indicate that India has around 9 million vehicles which have already reached the end-of-life cycle and the number is expected to further rise to 22 million by 2025. Manufacturers can also lure customers with lucrative incentives and also benefit from recycling around 90 per cent of old vehicle components. Moreover, to ensure effective scrapping mechanism, the regional transport officers might also be empowered to deregister vehicles.
