UPSC Express

Bharat Standard Norms

• Introduced in the year 2000, the Bharat norms are emission control standards put in place by the government to keep a check on air pollution.
• Based on the European regulations (Euro norms), these standards set specifications/limits for the release of air pollutants from equipment using internal combustion engines, including vehicles. Typically, the higher the stage, the more stringent the norms.
• The BS IV norms were introduced in 13 cities apart from the National Capital Region from April 2010.
• Currently, BS IV fuel is being made available across the country in stages, with the entire nation expected to be covered by April1 2017.
• Implementation of the BS V standard was earlier scheduled for 2019.
• This has now been skipped.
• BS VI, originally proposed to come in by 2024 has been now advanced to 2020, instead.

Why is it important?

• Upgrading to stricter fuel standards helps tackle air pollution.
• Global automakers are betting big on India as vehicle penetration is still low here, when compared to developed countries.
• At the same time, cities such as Delhi are already being listed among those with the poorest air quality in the world.
• With other developing countries such as China having already upgraded to the equivalent of Euro V emission norms a while ago, India has been lagging behind.
• While BS IV-compliant fuel currently in use has 50 parts per million (ppm) sulphur, BS VI stipulates a low 10 ppm.
• Besides, under BS VI, particulate matter emission for diesel cars and nitrogen oxide levels are expected to be substantially lower than in BS IV.
• The experience of countries such as China and Malaysia (which is currently grappling with haze) shows that poor air quality can be bad for business.
• Therefore, leapfrogging to BS VI can put India ahead in the race for investments too.
• When BS VI norms are implemented, you can look forward to breathing in cleaner air in cities.
• New vehicles sold from 2020 will have to be equipped with engines compliant with the new standards.
• Besides, the government is also thinking about a ‘cash-for-clunkers’ scheme for scrapping old vehicles.
• This will help owners of older and more polluting vehicles to upgrade to newer vehicles which use cleaner fuel, with a subsidy from the government.
• Upgraded emission norms could also mean less fuel-guzzling vehicles.
• On the flip side, the use of new technology means higher costs for automobile manufacturers.
• And that, dear buyer, will be passed on to you when you look to upgrade to your next car.
• Oil refiners too will need higher capital outlays to produce superior quality fuel and may look to pass on the bill to you.
• But remember it’s for a good cause.