Truckers to strike after May 1 if ten year ban decision by NGT stays

NEW DELHI: With the National Green Tribunal (NGT) deferring implementation of its order banning plying of diesel vehicles older than 10 years, transporters not only scented victory but also claimed credit for the move. They said the decision was taken due to the threat that they would go on strike from Monday.

President of All India Motor Transport Congress, Bhim Wadhwa said, "NGT stayed the ban due to our pressure. But if the final decision is not awarded in our favour, none of our commercial vehicles will run in Delhi after May 1." He added that the government has been given till May 1 to represent them before NGT. "The government has to help us get back the 15 years clause as followed under the Central Motor Vehicle Act," he said.

Another transport body, the All Delhi Tempo Mini Truck Owners Union seconded Wadhwa. "I think it's the first time that NGT has deferred an order. We just want the original Central Motor Vehicle Act implemented. If this isn't done, all commercial vehicles carrying goods to the capital will be stopped at the border and not allowed to enter the capital," said Shyam Sundar, union secretary.

Sundar claimed that rents on their vehicles have increased after the NGT order. "This will get worse as 40% of our vehicles will become non-operational. This will result in huge losses as the demand for trucks is more than supply," Sundar added.

The vice president of Delhi Tempo Transport Union, Kuldeep Kumar, raised another issue. "At present, more than 150 vehicles are under police custody. At border check posts, policemen charge thousands to let our vehicles enter the capital. We need a permanent solution or we'll go to higher courts," Kumar said.

Officials at the Agricultural Product Marketing Committee echoed the threats of the transporters. "As many as 5,000 commercial vehicles come to Delhi everyday. If truckers go on strike, arrival of essential commodities will be hit. Rates will go up," an official said.