SC Flags Need to Revisit NEMMP 2020 Amid Air Pollution Crisis

A key development for UPSC Prelims 2026: Environment + Policy + EV Ecosystem

Amid severe air pollution in Delhi, the Supreme Court has suggested that the Union Government revisit the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 and consider launching pilot electric-vehicle (EV) projects in major metropolitan cities to accelerate the shift from fossil-fuel vehicles to clean mobility.

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🧩 1. Background: Why Was the SC Hearing the Case?

The NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) filed a petition seeking:

• Timely implementation of the EV Policy

• Strengthening of the FAME India scheme

• Measures to reduce vehicular pollution

Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the NGO, argued that:

• EVs remain costlier than petrol/diesel vehicles

• The government must offer greater incentives

• Government itself should switch entirely to EVs first

This comes amid rising pollution levels, forcing courts to examine alternative mitigation pathways.

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🚗 2. Supreme Court’s Key Observations

✔ Policy Review Needed

Justice Surya Kant noted:

“Five years have gone by since NEMMP 2020. Now, even the policy may have to be revisited.”

NEMMP 2020 was announced in 2013, targeting 6–7 million EV sales by 2020—a target not achieved.

✔ Pilot EV Projects in Metros

SC suggested starting pilot EV-only public mobility zones in:

• Delhi

• Mumbai

• Kolkata

• Chennai

• Bengaluru

These cities together account for a major share of India’s urban vehicular pollution.

✔ Major Policy Decision

Attorney-General R. Venkataramani noted that a complete shift to EVs is a “major policy decision” requiring time and planning.

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⚡ 3. NEMMP 2020: Why It Needs Revision (UPSC Angle)

📌 About NEMMP 2020 (Prelims Essentials)

• Launched: 2013

• Aim: National Electric Mobility Mission Plan for EV adoption

• Target: 6–7 million EV sales by 2020

• Flagship component: FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles)

⚠ Why SC says it needs revision:

• The 2020 target year has already passed

• EV ecosystem has transformed drastically since 2013

• Charging infra remains limited

• Transition requires updated roadmaps aligning with:
  ✔ Battery technology
  ✔ Domestic manufacturing capacity
  ✔ FAME-II revisions
  ✔ State EV policies
  ✔ Carbon-neutrality goals

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🔌 4. FAME India Scheme Mentioned in the Case

Petitioner sought implementation of:

✔ FAME-I (2015–2019)

• Incentives for EV purchase

• Support for hybrid vehicles

• Charging infra

✔ FAME-II (2019–2024)

• Focused on public transport

• Larger support for buses, 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers

The SC hearing implies slow or uneven implementation.

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🏛️ 5. Related Development: Virtual Hearings Suggested

Justice P.S. Narasimha asked lawyers to:

• Attend court virtually

• Avoid physical appearance due to toxic air

Shows judiciary’s concern over the health risks posed by air pollution.

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💡 6. UPSC Prelims 2025 – Important Takeaways

Memorize these:

✔ NEMMP 2020 → Launched 2013

✔ Objective → EV adoption roadmap for India

✔ Linked to → FAME schemes

✔ SC recommends → Revisiting policy + Metro EV pilot projects

✔ NGO petitioner → Centre for Public Interest Litigation

✔ Concern → EVs still costlier, need incentives

✔ Pollution context → SC encourages virtual hearings

✔ AG’s view → Full EV transition → major policy decision

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📝 7. GS-3 (Environment) Mains Value-Addition

“The Supreme Court’s call to revisit NEMMP 2020 highlights the urgent need for updated electric mobility strategies. With urban pollution reaching hazardous levels, India’s EV roadmap must align with technological advancements, affordability concerns, charging infrastructure, and city-wide mobility planning.”

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📌 8. Last-Minute Revision Summary

Topic	Key Points
Case	Petition on EV policy implementation
Policy flagged	NEMMP 2020
Court suggestion	Launch EV pilot in metros
NGO	CPIL (Prashant Bhushan)
Govt stance	Complete shift = major decision
Linked scheme	FAME India
Pollution context	Virtual hearings suggested