Font size:
Print
Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Norms
Context: India’s decision to roll out Bharat Stage VII (BS VII) emission norms marks a pivotal step in its fight against vehicular pollution.
What are Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms?
- Definition: BS norms are emission standards set by the Government of India, regulated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Objective: To regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipment, including motor vehicles.
- Origin: Modelled on European emission standards (Euro norms), but adapted to Indian conditions.
- Limit emissions of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC). Reduce vehicular contribution to air pollution, which accounts for ~40% of urban emissions in India.
Bharat Stage VI vs Bharat Stage VII
How does BS stand in comparison to European Standards?
- Real-World Testing: Euro norms use WLTP and RDE extensively, capturing emissions under varied conditions. BS norms are catching up, but still rely more on lab-based testing.
- Technology Push: Euro standards mandate OBD-III, predictive diagnostics, and stricter cold-start emissions. BS-VI uses OBD-II, with less granularity.
- Policy Integration: Euro norms are tightly linked to climate targets and urban air quality plans. BS norms are part of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and fuel policy, but enforcement varies by state.
