taking its cue from Delhi, the Karnataka government has banned all transport vehicles that are over 15 years old. The state transport department regulation, which came into force from April 1, 2002, forms a part of the authorities' efforts to curb vehicular pollution in the metropolis. Another such measure is a green tax imposed in the form of a compulsory renewal of registration of all vehicles after seven years and 15 years for Rs 250 and Rs 500, respectively.

Welcoming the ban, transport commissioner T Thimme Gowda says, "We believe this to be a very progressive step, since everyone knows of Bangalore's high levels of air pollution.' But transporters, quite predictably, are up in arms against the move. In fact, the Karnataka Federation of Lorry Owners' Association is heatedly opposing it. "Why impose conditions on the age of the vehicle, when it has already earned an annual