BHARAT STAGE NORMS (BS)
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 April 1
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.
While
BS IV-compliant fuel currently in use has 50 parts per million (ppm) sulphur,
BS VI stipulates a low 10 ppm.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) are continuously monitoring ambient
air quality in 254 cities / towns in the country including vulnerable
monuments.
Implementation of Bharat Stage IV (BS IV)
norms in 63 selected cities and universalization of BS IV by 2017;
Decision taken to leapfrog directly from
Bharat Stage IV to BS-VI fuel standards by 1st April, 2020;
Civil Scholar is a Blog by Aravind Samala on Construction, Environment, Technology, Trends and Innovation.