Thrissur: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a firm stand against the Kerala government's decision to extend the operational life of diesel buses older than 15 years by an additional 5 years, after transport authorities failed to submit an explanation in response to a petition challenging the order.

The tribunal has directed that if a report is not filed before the next hearing, the Kerala Transport Secretary must appear in person before its Southern Zone Bench in Chennai on the scheduled hearing date.

The Kerala government had issued a special order on March 5, 2024, extending the service life of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) diesel buses by 7 years and private diesel buses by 5 years, despite the Centre's Vehicle Scrappage Policy.

Under the National Vehicle Scrappage Policy, diesel buses that have completed 15 years of service are not permitted to operate. However, the restriction does not apply to buses converted to CNG or electric vehicles. The Central government and the Supreme Court have consistently directed the phased withdrawal of ageing diesel vehicles, citing environmental pollution as the primary concern.

Also read: Priyadarshini bus attack case: KSRTC says offenders will face strict legal action  

Several states, including Kerala, have extended the service life of older vehicles through official notifications. Challenging Kerala's decision, a private individual approached the National Green Tribunal, arguing that the state had acted contrary to the Centre's policy and Supreme Court directives.

The tribunal had earlier observed that it was unreasonable for states to disregard binding directions issued by the Central government and the Supreme Court by extending the operational life of ageing diesel vehicles.

The tribunal also noted the Kerala Transport Department's failure to respond adequately to its proceedings. Consequently, the Southern Zone Bench of the NGT, headed by Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, has decided to take a stricter approach by directing the personal appearance of the state's Transport Secretary if the required report is not submitted before the next hearing.