Fuel standards set up for the first time in India that are to be implemented in phases and made fully operational by 1999
• Diesel hydrosulpharisation projects in nine refineries worth Rs 5,568.31 crore for reduction of sulphur in diesel announced. But if we are investing so much, why only target for a reduction of 0.25 per cent by 1999? (Delhi already has 0.25 per cent sulphur diesel). Diesel vehicles are major sources of smaller particulate matter. Their numbers increase by 6-8 per cent annually. Thousands of diesel generator sets are also added to the list. The standards being set will only marginally tighten the source-wise emission.

Proposals made by the ministry of environment and forests (MEF):
• In 1997, environment minister Saifuddin Soz committed himself to finalise an action plan for pollution control in Delhi and set deadlines for the purpose.

• Phased introduction of low-sulphur diesel in Delhi by August 1988. Introduction of pre-mixed fuel and oil to cut down two-stroke engine smoke by December 1997. Drive to check fuel adulteration

• Ministry of petroleum and natural gas should allow the use of propane as an alternate fuel. Work out the feasibility of using propane in autorickshaws by December 31, 1997. Use of ethanol substitution up to 20 per cent

• To implement the following between December 1997 and December 1998:
- Use of pollution control devices
- Fuel injection system for two-stroke engines
- Replacement of two-stroke engines by four-stroke engines
- Engine design modification for use for cleaner fuel
- Registration restrictions after September 1, 1999, to discourage old designs

• Maintenance and inspection of in-use vehicles:
- The MEF has proposed a long list of inspection rules for in-use vehicles. About 10 rules for tail-pipe emission from new vehicles, 16 rules for old vehicles.