Bharat Stage emission standards

Bharat stage emission standards are emission standards instituted by the Government of India to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipment, including motor vehicles. The standards and the timeline for implementation are set by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Ministry of Environment & Forests and climate change.[1]

The standards, based on European regulations were first introduced in 2000. Progressively stringent norms have been rolled out since then. All new vehicles manufactured after the implementation of the norms have to be compliant with the regulations.[2] Since October 2010, Bharat Stage (BS) III norms have been enforced across the country. In 13 major cities, Bharat Stage IV emission norms have been in place since April 2010.[3] In 2016, the Indian government announced that the country would skip the Euro V norms altogether and adopt Euro VI norms by 2020.[4]

The phasing out of 2-stroke engine for two wheelers, the stoppage of production of Maruti 800 & introduction of electronic controls have been due to the regulations related to vehicular emissions.[5]

While the norms help in bringing down pollution levels, it invariably results in increased vehicle cost due to the improved technology & higher fuel prices. However, this increase in private cost is offset by savings in health costs for the public, as there is lesser amount of disease causing particulate matter and pollution in the air. Exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which is estimated to be the cause for 6.2 lakh early deaths in 2010, and the health cost of air pollution in India has been assessed at 3% of its GDP.

Motor vehicles

Comparison between European, US, and Bharat Stage (Indian) emission standards for petrol passenger cars.
Comparison between European, US, and Bharat Stage (Indian) emission standards for diesel passenger cars. The sizes of the green circles represent the limits for particulate matter.

History

The first emission norms were introduced in India in 1991 for petrol and 1992 for diesel vehicles. These were followed by making the Catalytic converter mandatory for petrol vehicles and the introduction of unleaded petrol in the market.[6]

On 29 April 1999 the Supreme Court of India ruled that all vehicles in India have to meet Euro I or India 2000 norms by 1 June 1999 and Euro II will be mandatory in the NCR by April 2000. Car makers were not prepared for this transition and in a subsequent judgement the implementation date for Euro II was not enforced.[7][8]

In 2002, the Indian government accepted the report submitted by the Mashelkar committee. The committee proposed a road map for the roll out of Euro based emission norms for India. It also recommended a phased implementation of future norms with the regulations being implemented in major cities first and extended to the rest of the country after a few years.[9]

Based on the recommendations of the committee, the National Auto Fuel policy was announced officially in 2003. The roadmap for implementation of the Bharat Stage norms were laid out till 2010. The policy also created guidelines for auto fuels, reduction of pollution from older vehicles and R&D for air quality data creation and health administration.[10]

Background information

Table 1: Indian Emission Standards (4-Wheel Vehicles)
Standard Reference YEAR Region
India 2000 Euro 1 2000 Nationwide
Bharat Stage II Euro 2 2001 NCR*, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai
2003.04 NCR*, 13 Cities†
2005.04 Nationwide
Bharat Stage III Euro 3 2005.04 NCR*, 13 Cities†
2010.04 Nationwide
Bharat Stage IV Euro 4 2010.04 NCR*, 13 Cities†
Bharat Stage V Euro 5 (to be skipped)
Bharat Stage VI Euro 6 2020.04 (proposed)[11] Entire country
* National Capital Region (Delhi)

† Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Kanpur, Lucknow, Sholapur, Jamshedpur and Agra

The above standards apply to all new 4-wheel vehicles sold and registered in the respective regions. In addition, the National Auto Fuel Policy introduces certain emission requirements for interstate buses with routes originating or terminating in Delhi or the other 10 cities.

Progress of emission standards for 2-and 3-wheelers:[12]

Table 2: Indian Emission Standards (2 and 3 wheelers)
Standard Reference Date
Bharat Stage II Euro 2 1 April 2005
Bharat Stage III Euro 3 1 April 2010
Bharat Stage IV Euro 4 1 April 2012
Bharat Stage V Euro 5 1 April 2017 (proposed)

In order to comply with the BSIV norms, 2- and 3-wheeler manufacturers will have to fit an evaporative emission control unit, which should lower the amount of fuel that is evaporated when the motorcycle is parked.

Trucks and buses

Exhaust gases from vehicles form a significant portion of air pollution which is harmful to human health and the environment

Emission standards for new heavy-duty diesel engines—applicable to vehicles of GVW > 3,500 kg—are listed in Table 3.

Table 3: Emission Standards for Diesel Truck and Bus Engines, g/kWh
Year Reference Test CO HC NOx PM
1992 ECE R49 17.3–32.6 2.7–3.7
1996 ECE R49 11.20 2.40 14.4
2000 Euro I ECE R49 4.5 1.1 8.0 0.36*
2005† Euro II ECE R49 4.0 1.1 7.0 0.15
2010† Euro III ESC 2.1 0.66 5.0 0.10
ETC 5.45 0.78 5.0 0.16
2010‡ Euro IV ESC 1.5 0.46 3.5 0.02
ETC 4.0 0.55 3.5 0.03
* 0.612 for engines below 85 kW

† earlier introduction in selected regions, see Table 1 ‡ only in selected regions, see Table 1

More details on Euro I–III regulations can be found in the section on EU heavy-duty engine standards.

Light-duty diesel vehicles

Emission standards for light-duty diesel vehicles (GVW ≤ 3,500 kg) are summarised in Table 4. Ranges of emission limits refer to different classes (by reference mass) of light commercial vehicles; compare the EU light-duty vehicle emission standards for details on the Euro 1 and later standards. The lowest limit in each range applies to passenger cars (GVW ≤ 2,500 kg; up to 6 seats).

Table 4: Emission Standards for Light-Duty Diesel Vehicles, g/km
Year Reference CO HC HC+NOx NOx PM
1992 17.3–32.6 2.7–3.7
1996 5.0–9.0 2.0–4.0
2000 Euro 1 2.72–6.90 0.97–1.70 0.14–0.25
2005† Euro 2 1.0–1.5 0.7–1.2 0.08–0.17
2010† Euro 3 0.64
0.80
0.95
0.56
0.72
0.86
0.50
0.65
0.78
0.05
0.07
0.10
2010‡ Euro 4 0.50
0.63
0.74
0.30
0.39
0.46
0.25
0.33
0.39
0.025
0.04
0.06
† earlier introduction in selected regions, see Table 1

‡ only in selected regions, see Table 1

The test cycle has been the ECE + EUDC for low power vehicles (with maximum speed limited to 90 km/h). Before 2000, emissions were measured over an Indian test cycle.

Engines for use in light-duty vehicles can be also emission tested using an engine dynamo-meter. The respective emission standards are listed in Table 5.

Table 5: Emission Standards for Light-Duty Diesel Engines, g/kWh
Year Reference CO HC NOx PM
1992 14.0 3.5 18.0
1996 11.20 2.40 14.4
2000 Euro I 4.5 1.1 8.0 0.36*
2005† Euro II 4.0 1.1 7.0 0.15
* 0.612 for engines below 85 kW

† earlier introduction in selected regions, see Table 1

Light-duty petrol vehicles

4-wheel vehicles

Emissions standards for petrol vehicles (GVW ≤ 3,500 kg) are summarised in Table 6. Ranges of emission limits refer to different classes of light commercial vehicles (compare the EU light-duty vehicle emission standards). The lowest limit in each range applies to passenger cars (GVW ≤ 2,500 kg; up to 6 seats).

Table 6: Emission Standards for Petrol Vehicles (GVW ≤ 3,500 kg), g/km
Year Reference CO HC HC+NOx NOx
1991 14.3–27.1 2.0–2.9
1996 8.68–12.4 3.00–4.36
1998* 4.34–6.20 1.50–2.18
2000 Euro 1 2.72–6.90 0.97–1.70
2005† Euro 2 2.2–5.0 0.5–0.7
2010† Euro 3 2.3
4.17
5.22
0.20
0.25
0.29
0.15
0.18
0.21
2010‡ Euro 4 1.0
1.81
2.27
0.1
0.13
0.16
0.08
0.10
0.11
* for catalytic converter fitted vehicles

† earlier introduction in selected regions, see Table 1 ‡ only in selected regions, see Table 1

Petrol vehicles must also meet an evaporative (SHED) limit of 2 g/test (effective 2000).

3- and 2-wheel vehicles

Emission standards for 3- and 2-wheel petrol vehicles are listed in the following tables.[13]

Table 7: Emission Standards for 3-Wheel Petrol Vehicles, g/km
Year CO HC HC+NOx
1991 12–30 8–12
1996 6.75 5.40
2000 4.00 2.00
2005 (BS II) 2.25 2.00
2010.04 (BS III) 1.25 1.25
Table 8: Emission Standards for 2-Wheel Petrol Vehicles, g/km
Year CO HC HC+NOx
1991 12–30 8–12
1996 5.50 3.60
2000 2.00 2.00
2005 (BS II) 1.5 1.5
2010.04 (BS III) 1.0 1.0
Table 9: Emission Standards for 2- And 3-Wheel Diesel Vehicles, g/km
Year CO HC+NOx PM
2005.04 1.00 0.85 0.10
2010.04 0.50 0.50 0.05

Overview of the emission norms in India

CO2 emission

India's auto sector accounts for about 18% of the total CO2 emissions in the country. Relative CO2 emissions from transport have risen rapidly in recent years, but like the EU, currently there are no standards for CO2 emission limits for pollution from vehicles.

Obligatory labelling

There is also no provision to make the CO2 emissions labelling mandatory on cars in the country. A system exists in the EU to ensure that information relating to the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of new passenger cars offered for sale or lease in the Community is made available to consumers to enable consumers to make an informed choice.

Non-road diesel engines

Further information: Non-road diesel engine

Construction machinery

Emission standards for diesel construction machinery were adopted on 21 September 2006. The standards are structured into two tiers:

The standards are summarised in the following table:

Table 10: Bharat (CEV) Emission Standards for Diesel Construction Machinery
Engine Power Date CO HC HC+NOx NOx PM
kW g/kWh
Bharat (CEV) Stage II
P < 8 2008.10 8.0 1.3 9.2 1.00
8 ≤ P < 19 2008.10 6.6 1.3 9.2 0.85
19 ≤ P < 37 2007.10 6.5 1.3 9.2 0.85
37 ≤ P < 75 2007.10 6.5 1.3 9.2 0.85
75 ≤ P < 130 2007.10 5.0 1.3 9.2 0.70
130 ≤ P < 560 2007.10 5.0 1.3 9.2 0.54
Bharat (CEV) Stage III
P < 8 2011.04 8.0 7.5 0.80
8 ≤ P < 19 2011.04 6.6 7.5 0.80
19 ≤ P < 37 2011.04 5.5 7.5 0.60
37 ≤ P < 75 2011.04 5.0 4.7 0.40
75 ≤ P < 130 2011.04 5.0 4.0 0.30
130 ≤ P < 560 2011.04 3.5 4.0 0.20

The limit values apply for both type approval (TA) and conformity of production (COP) testing. Testing is performed on an engine dynamo-meter over the ISO 8178 C1 (8-mode) and D2 (5-mode) test cycles. The Bharat Stage III standards must be met over the useful life periods shown in Table 11. Alternatively, manufacturers may use fixed emission deterioration factors of 1.1 for CO, 1.05 for HC, 1.05 for NOx, and 1.1 for PM.

Table 11: Bharat (CEV) Stage III Useful Life Periods
Power Rating Useful Life Period
hours
< 19 kW 3,000
19–37 kW constant speed 3,000
variable speed 5,000
> 37 kW 8,000

Agricultural tractors

Emission standards for diesel agricultural tractors are summarised in Table 12.

Table 12: Bharat (Trem) Emission Standards for Diesel Agricultural Tractors
Engine Power Date CO HC HC+NOx NOx PM
kW g/kW·h
Bharat (Trem) Stage I
All 1999.10 14.0 3.5 - 18.0 -
Bharat (Trem) Stage II
All 2003.06 9.0 - 15.0 - 1.00
Bharat (Trem) Stage III
All 2005.10 5.5 - 9.5 - 0.80
Bharat (Trem) Stage III A
P < 8 2010.04 5.5 - 8.5 - 0.80
8 ≤ P < 19 2010.04 5.5 - 8.5 - 0.80
19 ≤ P < 37 2010.04 5.5 - 7.5 - 0.60
37 ≤ P < 56 2011.04 5.0 - 4.7 - 0.40
56 ≤ P < 75 2011.04 5.0 - 4.7 - 0.40
75 ≤ P < 130 2011.04 5.0 - 4.0 - 0.30
130 ≤ P < 560 2011.04 3.5 - 4.0 - 0.20

Emissions are tested over the ISO 8178 C1 (8-mode) cycle. For Bharat (Trem) Stage III A, the useful life periods and deterioration factors are the same as for Bharat (CEV) Stage III, Table 11.

Electricity generation

Generator sets

Emissions from new diesel engines used in generator sets have been regulated by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India [GSR 371 (E), 17 May 2002]. The regulations impose type approval certification, production conformity testing and labelling requirements. Certification agencies include the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE). The emission standards are listed below.

Table 13: Emission Standards for Diesel Engines ≤ 800 kW for Generator Sets
Engine Power (P) Date CO HC NOx PM Smoke
g/kWh 1/m
P ≤ 19 kW 2004.01 5.0 1.3 9.2 0.6 0.7
2005.07 3.5 1.3 9.2 0.3 0.7
19 kW < P ≤ 50 kW 2004.01 5.0 1.3 9.2 0.5 0.7
2004.07 3.5 1.3 9.2 0.3 0.7
50 kW < P ≤ 176 kW 2004.01 3.5 1.3 9.2 0.3 0.7
176 kW < P ≤ 800 kW 2004.11 3.5 1.3 9.2 0.3 0.7

Engines are tested over the 5-mode ISO 8178 D2 test cycle. Smoke opacity is measured at full load.

Table 14: Emission Limits for Diesel Engines > 800 kW for Generator Sets
Date CO NMHC NOx PM
mg/N·m3 mg/N·m3 ppm(v) mg/N·m3
Until 2003.06 150 150 1100 75
2003.07 – 2005.06 150 100 970 75
2005.07 150 100 710 75

Concentrations are corrected to dry exhaust conditions with 15% residual O2.

Power plants

The emission standards for thermal power plants in India are being enforced based on Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 of Government of India and it's amendments from time to time.[14] A summary of emission norms for coal- and gas-based thermal power plants is given in Tables 15 and 16.

Table 15: Environmental standards for coal- and gas-based power plants
Capacity Pollutant Emission limit
Coal based thermal plants
Below 210 MW Particulate matter (PM) 350 mg/N·m3
210 MW & above   150 mg/N·m3
500 MW & above   50 mg/N·m3
Gas based thermal plants
400 MW & above NOX(V/V at 15% excess oxygen) 50 PPM for natural gas; 100 PPM for naphtha
Below 400 MW & up to 100 MW   75 PPM for natural gas; 100 PPM for naphtha
Below 100 MW   100 PPM for naphtha/natural gas
For conventional boilers   100 PPM
Table 16: Stack height requirement for SO2 control
Power Generation Capacity Stack Height (Metre)
Less than 200/210 MWe H = 14 (Q)0.3 where Q is emission rate of SO2 in kg/h,
H = Stack height in metres
200/210 MWe or less than 500 MWe 200 200
500 MWe and above 275 (+ Space provision for FGD systems in future)

The norm for 500 MW and above coal-based power plant being practised is 40 to 50 mg/N·m and space is provided in the plant layout for super thermal power stations for installation of flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) system. But FGD is not installed, as it is not required for low sulphur Indian coals while considering SOx emission from individual chimney.

In addition to the above emission standards, the selection of a site for a new power plant has to maintain the local ambient air quality as given in Table 17.

Table 17: Ambient air quality standard
Category Conc g/m3
SPM SOx CO NOx
Industrial and mixed-use 500 120 5,000 120
Residential and rural 200 80 2,000 80
Sensitive 100 30 1,000 30
Table 18: World Bank norms for new projects
Existing Air Quality Recommendation
SOx > 100 μg/m3 No project
SOx = 100 μg/m3 Polluted area, max from a project 100 t/day
SOx < 50 μg/m3 Unpolluted area, max from a project 500 t/day

However the norms for SOx are even stricter for selection of sites for World Bank funded projects (refer Table 18). For example, if SOx level is higher than 100 μg/m3, no project with further SOx emission can be set up; if SO X level is 100 μg/m3, it is called polluted area and maximum emission from a project should not exceed 100 t/day; and if SOx is less than 50 μg/m3, it is called unpolluted area, but the SOx emission from a project should not exceed 500 t/day. The stipulation for NOx emission is that its emission should not exceed 260 g of NOx/GJ of heat input.

In view of the above, it may be seen that improved environment norms are linked to financing and are being enforced by international financial institutions and not by the policies/laws of land.

Fuels

Fuel quality plays a very important role in meeting the stringent emission regulation.

The fuel specifications of petrol and diesel have been aligned with the Corresponding European Fuel Specifications for meeting the Euro II, Euro III and Euro IV emission norms.

The use of alternative fuels has been promoted in India both for energy security and emission reduction. Delhi and Mumbai have more than 1 lakh commercial vehicles running on CNG fuel. Delhi has the largest number of CNG commercial vehicles running anywhere in the World. India is planning to introduce Bio-diesel, ethanol petrol blends in a phased manner and has drawn up a road map for the same. The Indian auto industry is working with the authorities to facilitate for introduction of the alternative fuels. India has also set up a task force for preparing the Hydrogen road map. The use of LPG has also been introduced as an auto fuel and the oil industry has drawn up plans for setting up of auto LPG dispensing stations in major cities.

Table 19: Indian petrol specifications
Serial No. Characteristics Unit Bharat Stage II Bharat Stage III Bharat Stage IV Bharat Stage V Bharat Stage VI
1 Density 15 °C kg/m3 710–770 720–775 720–775
2 Distillation
3 a) Recovery up to 70 °C (E70)
b) Recovery up to 100 °C (E100)
c) Recovery up to 180 °C (E180)
d) Recovery up to 150 °C (E150)
e) Final Boiling Point (FBP), Max
f) Residue Max
% Volume
% Volume
% Volume
% Volume
°C
% Volume
10–45
40–70
90
-
210
2
10–45
40–70
-
75 min
210
2
10–45
40–70
-
75 min
210
2
4 Research Octane Number (RON), Min 88 91 91
5 Anti Knock Index (AKI)/ MON, Min 84 (AKI) 81 (MON) 81 (MON)
6 Sulphur, Total, Max % mass 0.05 150 mg/kg 50 mg/kg 10 mg/kg 10 mg/kg
7 Lead Content (as Pb), Max g/l 0.013 0.005 0.005
8 Reid Vapour Pressure (RVP), Max Kpa 35–60 60 60
9 Benzene, Content, Max
a) For Metros
b) For the rest
% Volume -
3
5
1 1
10 Olefin content, Max % Volume - 21 21
11 Aromatic Content, Max % Volume - 42 35<
Table 20: Indian diesel specifications
S. No Characteristic BSII BSIII BSIV BSV BSVI
1 Density kg/m3 15 °C 820-800 820–845 820–845
2 Sulphur Content mg/kg max 500 350 50 10 10
3(a)
3(b)
Cetane Number minimum and / or
Cetane Index
48
or
46
51
and
46
51
and
46
4 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon - 11 11
5
(a)
(b)
(c)
Distillation
Reco Min At 350 °C
Reco Min At 370 °C
95% Vol Reco at 0 °C
85
95
-

-
-
360

-
-
360
Table 21: Diesel Fuel Quality in India
Date Particulars
1995 Cetane number: 45; Sulfur: 1%
1996 Sulfur: 0.5% (Delhi + selected cities)
1998 Sulfur: 0.25% (Delhi)
1999 Sulfur: 0.05% (Delhi, limited supply)
2000 Cetane number: 48; Sulfur: 0.25% (Nationwide)
2001 Sulfur: 0.05% (Delhi + selected cities)
2005 Sulfur: 350 ppm (Euro 3; selected areas)
2010 Sulfur: 350 ppm (Euro 3; nationwide)
2016 (proposed) Sulfur: 50 ppm (Euro 4; major cities)
2017 (proposed) Sulfur: 50 ppm (Euro 4; nationwide)
2020 (proposed) Sulfur: 10ppm (Euro 6; entire country)
Table 22: Indian bio-diesel specifications
S No Characteristics Requirement Method of Test, ref to
    Other Methods [P:] of IS 1448
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
i. Density at 15 °C, kg/m3 860–900 ISO 3675 P:16/
    ISO 12185 P:32
    ASTM
ii. Kinematic Viscosity at 40 °C, cSt 2.5–6.0 ISO 3104 P:25
iii. Flash point (PMCC) °C, min 120 P:21
iv. Sulphur, mg/kg max 50.0 ASTM D 5453 P:83
v Carbon residue (Ramsbottom)*, % by mass, max 0.05 ASTM D 4530ISO 10370 -
vi. Sulfated ash, % by mass, max 0.02 ISO 6245 P:4
vii. Water content, mg/kg, max 500 ASTM D 2709 P:40
    ISO 3733
    ISO 6296
viii Total contamination, mg/kg, max 24 EN 12662 -
ix Cu corrosion, 3 h at 50 °C, max 1 ISO 2160 P:15
x Cetane No, min 51 ISO 5156 P:9
xi Acid value, mg KOH/g, max 0.50 - P:1 / Sec 1
xii Methanol @, % by mass, max 0.20 EN 14110 -
xiii Ethanol, @@ % by mass, max 0.20 -
xiv Ester content, % by mass, min 96.5 EN 14103 -
xv Free Glycerol, % by mass, max 0.02 ASTM D 6584 -
xvi Total Glycerol, % by mass, max 0.25 ASTM D 6584 -
xvii Phosphorus, mg/kg, max 10.0 ASTMD 4951 -
xviii Sodium & Potassium, mg/kg, max To report EN 14108 & -
      EN 14109 -
xix Calcium and Magnesium, mg/kg, max To report ** -
xx Iodine value To report EN 14104 -
xxi Oxidation stability, at 110 °C h, min 6 EN 14112 -
* Carbon residue shall be run on 100% sample

** European method is under development
@ Applicable for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester
@@ Applicable for Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester

Criticism and commentary

Ineffectiveness of present pollution control system

Presently, all vehicles need to undergo a periodic emission check (3 months/ 6 months) at PUC Centres at Fuel Stations and Private Garages which are authorised to check the vehicles. In addition, transport vehicles need to undergo an annual fitness check carried out by RTOs for emissions, safety and road-worthiness.

The objective of reducing pollution not achieved to a large extent by the present system. Some reasons for this are: – Independent centres do not follow rigorous procedures due to inadequate training – Equipment not subjected to periodic calibration by independent authority – Lack of professionalism has led to malpractice – Tracking system of vehicles failing to meet norms non-existent

Comparison between Bharat Stage and Euro norms

The Bharat Stage norms have been styled to suit specific needs and demands of Indian conditions. The differences lie essentially in environmental and geographical needs, even though the emission standards are exactly the same.

For instance, Euro-III is tested at sub-zero temperatures in European countries. In India, where the average annual temperature ranges between 24 and 28 °C, the test is done away with.

Another major distinction is in the maximum speed at which the vehicle is tested. A speed of 90 km/h is stipulated for BS-III, whereas it is 120 km/h for Euro-III, keeping emission limits the same in both cases

In addition to limits, test procedure has certain finer points too. For instance, the mass emission test measurements done in g/km on a chassis dynamometer requires a loading of 100 kg weight in addition to unloaded car weight in Europe. In India, BS-III norms require an extra loading of 150 kg weight to achieve the desired inertia weight mainly due to road conditions here.[15]

Non-existence of CO2 limits

Various groups and agencies have criticised the government and urged the government of India to draft mandatory fuel efficiency standards for cars in the country, or at least to make the CO2 emissions labelling mandatory on all new cars in the country. The auto companies should inform the customers about a vehicle's emissions.[16]

Lag behind Euro standards

There has been criticism of the fact that the Indian norms lag the Euro norms. As of 2014, only a few cities meet Euro IV or Bharat Stage IV standards that are nine years behind Europe. The rest of India gets Bharat Stage III standard fuel and vehicles, which are 14 years behind Europe.[17] Also, there was a suggestion from some bodies to implement Euro IV norms after Euro II norms, skipping the Euro III norms totally. This is because the Euro III norms are only a small improvement over Euro II, whereas Euro IV norms mark a big leap over Euro II. According to a study conducted by the Desert Research Institute and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, the only way to stabilise fine particulates (PM2.5) at the 2011 levels despite the five-fold rise in vehicular density is nationwide implementation of Bharat V standards by 2015.[18]

Cycle beating

For the emission standards to deliver real emission reductions it is crucial that the test cycles under which the emissions have to comply as much as possible reflect normal driving situations. It was discovered that manufacturers of engine would engage in what was called 'cycle beating' to optimise emission performance to the test cycle, while emissions from typical driving conditions would be much higher than expected, undermining the standards and public health. In one particular instance, research from two German technology institutes found that for diesel cars no 'real' NOx reductions have been achieved after 13 years of stricter standards.[19]

Need for uniform emissions standards across the country

The practice of limiting improved emissions standards only to a few cities and to a smaller proportion of urban population has been criticised as violating the fundamental right to healthy life for all.[17] This also does not allow lorries to move to cleaner fuel and technology and they heavily pollute cities during transit and aggravate pollution in cities. Many persons and establishments try to purchase Bharat Stage III vehicles and fuel from outside city limits in order to take advantage of lower prices, even though these are used in cities.

Regulatory framework

In India the Rules and Regulations related to driving licence, registration of motor vehicles, control of traffic, construction & maintenance of motor vehicles etc. are governed by the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 (MVA) and the Central Motor Vehicles rules 1989 (CMVR). The Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways (MoSRT&H) acts as a nodal agency for formulation and implementation of various provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act and CMVR.[20]

To involve all stake holders in regulation formulation, MoSRT&H has constituted two Committees to deliberate and advise Ministry on issues relating to Safety and Emission Regulations, namely –

CMVR- Technical Standing Committee (CMVR-TSC)

This Committee advises MoSRT&H on various technical aspects related to CMVR. This Committee has representatives from various organisations namely; Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises (MoHI&PE)), MoSRT&H, Bureau Indian Standards (BIS), Testing Agencies such as Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI),International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT - www.icat.in), Vehicle Research Development & Establishment (VRDE), Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), industry representatives from Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and Tractor Manufacturers Association (TMA) and representatives from State Transport Departments. Major functions the Committee are:

CMVR-TSC is assisted by another Committee called the Automobile Industry Standards Committee (AISC) having members from various stakeholders in drafting the technical standards related to Safety. The major functions of the committee are as follows:

The National Standards for Automotive Industry are prepared by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The standards formulated by AISC are also converted into Indian Standards by BIS. The standards formulated by both BIS and AISC are considered by CMVR-TSC for implementation.

Standing Committee on Implementation of Emission Legislation (SCOE)

This Committee deliberates the issues related to implementation of emission regulation. Major functions of this Committee are –

Based on the recommendations from CMVR-TSC and SCOE, MoSRT&H issues notification for necessary amendments / modifications in the in Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

In addition, the other Ministries like Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) and Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources are also involved in formulation of regulations relating to Emissions, Noise, Fuels and Alternative Fuel vehicles.

See also

References

  1. "Functions of the Central Pollution Control Board". Central Pollution Control Board.
  2. "SC makes emission norms mandatory for new vehicles". The Indian Express. 30 April 1999.
  3. "India switches fully to Euro III and IV petrol and diesel". The Hindu. 24 September 2010.
  4. http://www.firstpost.com/business/post-odd-even-india-to-skip-bharat-stage-v-to-implement-stage-vi-emission-norms-from-2020-2584982.html
  5. "Reforming the little rascal". The Indian Express. 29 July 1999.
  6. "Ministry of Road Transport & Highways".
  7. "SC dilutes Euro norms". The Indian Express. 15 May 1999.
  8. "Maruti board on a junket as market share falls". The Indian Express. 31 July 1999.
  9. "Maruti board on a junket as market share falls". The Indian Express. 9 January 2002.
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Further reading

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