MOSCOW (Sputnik) — In an effort to curb air pollution in India's capital, the Supreme Court banned new diesel vehicles with engine capacity of over 2000 cubic centimeters (2 liters) from being registered until March 31 in the country's entire capital region, the Times of India newspaper reported.
In the same ruling, trucks not bound for Delhi were prohibited from passing through the city, while those destined for the capital are set to pay an environment compensation charge proportional to vehicle size. Taxis were ordered to convert to running on compressed natural gas.
The ruling comes after Delhi's government decision to introduce private vehicle use regulation by restricting road access. Starting from January 1, vehicles with odd and even license plates with be able to use the capital's roads on alternative days.
Delhi's air pollution is the worst among the world's major cities, according the World Health Organization.
