Convert all cars to gas in a year, HC orders Gujarat govt Cites Pollution To Dump Diesel, Petrol

Ahmedabad: In an order that will affect lakhs of people owning cars, besides setting a legal precedent, the Gujarat high court on Wednesday directed the state government to pass necessary laws to make it compulsory for all four-wheelers registered in Gujarat to convert to natural gas within one year. 

    Further, the high court gave the state government two months to issue necessary orders to impose stringent restrictions to reduce pollution by lowering levels of emission to the minimum and at par with international norms. The order applies to both public and private vehicles running on petrol and diesel. 
    The HC order, by Chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Justice J B Pardiwala, came in response to directions sought by Dhrangadhra Prakruti Mandal to the state and central governments as well as all gas and petrol firms operating in Gujarat. It said, "The state is directed to pass necessary orders compelling the owners of all vehicles having registration in Gujarat to use natural gas and, if necessary, even at higher prices within the shortest possible period, not exceeding one year from today for the protection of lives of citizens." 
    The judges suggested that gas prices be cheaper for public vehicles and higher for privately owned vehicles. Also, fares of public transport should be fixed at reasonable rates so that the end benefit goes to the public. 
Cheaper gas for Ahmedabad? 
    The Gujarat high court on Wednesday also directed the Union government to allot natural gas for domestic and vehicular usage at the same rate to the city of Ahmedabad at which it is supplied to Delhi and Mumbai. "This is to enforce the right of equality," the judges said. At present, in the absence of proportionate allocation, most of the gas that is distributed in Gujarat is imported. As a result, prices in Delhi and Mumbai are about 30% cheaper than in Ahmedabad. Currently, Adani Energy, GGCL and government-owned GSPC distribute gas in Gujarat.