Volkswagen India has opposed NGT’s recommendation, claiming that all its vehicles are compliant with the emissions norms prescribed under Bharat Stage 4.
A four-member committee formed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recommended a Rs. 171.34 crore fine on German automaker Volkswagen as “health damages” for causing air pollution in Delhi due to excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The penalty was sanctioned on the basis of the 3.27 lakh Volkswagen cars in India that had the deceiving software installed. However, now Volkswagen India has contested NGT’s recommendation, claiming that all its vehicles are compliant with the emissions norms prescribed under Bharat Stage 4.
Responding to the panel’s recommendations, a Volkswagen Group India spokesperson said that their cars have been compliant with the emission norms that have been prescribed in India and that the committee appointed by the NGT has accepted that the automaker hasn’t violated the permissible limits under BS4 norms. Volkswagen India wants to object certain recommendations in the report and the issue is current pending before the Supreme Court and NGT.
One of the earlier reports from NGT claims that the affected Volkswagen vehicles, which are close to 3.27 lakh cars, have released approximately 48.678 tonnes of NOx in 2016 alone. This has led to the formation of smog and acid rain that are key factors in the formation of fine particles and ground-level ozone. It’s claimed that with longer exposures to elevated concentrations of NOx can also contribute to the development of respiratory problems like asthma and susceptibility to various lung and heart diseases.
Volkswagen, which confessed to manipulating emission data using illegal software in its diesel vehicles is facing serious criminal and civil penalties in the US and several other countries. In fact, in US and Canada alone, the German automaker has to pay a hefty $2.8 billion fine, and if NGT’s latest recommendations are approved, it will come as a major blow to the company.
National Green Tribunal today directed Volkswagen to deposit an interim amount of Rs. 100 crores with the CPCB in a case related to allegations against the German carmaker for using ‘cheat device’ in emission tests of its diesel vehicles.
NGT To Fine VW
– National Green Tribunal has fined the German automaker in regards to high-emissions
– The Rs. 171.34 crores fine is on the basis of ‘health benefits’ caused by 3.27 lakh affected cars
– NGT has directed VW to deposit an interim amount of Rs. 100 crores
