Delhi government's anti-pollution norms act of one-upmanship: Prakash Javadekar

NEW DELHI: Centre today accused the Delhi government of doing an act of "one-upmanship" by declaring that vehicles should have Euro VI emission standards from 2017 as part of its radical steps to curb pollution levels in the national capital.

Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said such a measure can only be implemented if it does some 'jaadu' (magic) to launch Euro VI compliant vehicles by the stated date.

"I think this is one-upmanship. The central government has already notified to postpone to Euro VI migration by 2021 because ultimately it is the car manufacturers who also need to be ready with the cars compliant to this norm.

"...today we have vehicles complying to Euro IV or III. You can't have it (Euro VI)...it is the national government's fuel and therefore, Delhi government does not have it's own fuel. If they have some factory and good idea to convert by some 'jaadu' to Euro VI--all the best," he told NDTV when asked if such a declaration by the state government amounted to an act of political one-upmanship.

He, however, refrained from commenting on the larger decision of the state government that private vehicles bearing odd and even registration numbers will be allowed to ply only on alternate days starting January 1.

"I have not got all details of the announcement exactly...but if it is scientific we have to see. This (critical pollution levels in Delhi) is an extraordinary situation and we must respond with extraordinary solutions.

"Therefore, central government has taken 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas," he said.