Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Paying price for clean air” (March 31). Indian cities rank regularly among those with the dirtiest air in the world. However, in a move that might help the citizens breathe clean air, the Supreme Court has banned the manufacture, sale and registration of Bharat Stage-III (BS-III) vehicles from April 1.
However, this measure may cripple the automobile industry as it was hoping to clear its existing inventory. Foolhardy automakers, who continued to manufacture BS-III compliant vehicles, despite being given a year’s time on April 1 last year, to phase out their existing stock and begin the transition to BS-IV, have only themselves to blame for the potentially huge losses staring them in the face.