India needs to wake up to damage done by incentivising use of diesel: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday says that India needs to wake up to the damage done by incentivising the use of diesel.

"There is no doubt that diesel is a terrible fuel, the west soon woke up to the damage done by incentivising its use. Same must be done here," Omar wrote on Twitter. He was apparently reacting to the National Green Tribunal's direction to Delhi government on the registration of vehicles operating on diesel.

There is no doubt that diesel is a terrible fuel, the west soon woke up to the damage done by incentivising its use. Same must be done here.

— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) December 12, 2015

Omar said the manufacturers of sports utility vehicles (SUV) need to be encouraged or forced to make their entire range of products with the option of a petrol engine.

"For many people not buying a diesel vehicle isn't an option, manufacturers don't supply petrol versions. Look at SUVs-token petrol options.

For many people not buying a diesel vehicle isn't an option - manufacturers don't supply petrol versions. Look at SUVs- token petrol options

— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) December 12, 2015

"SUV/8-seater manufacturers will have to be encouraged/forced to supply the entire range of vehicles with the option of a petrol engine," he added.

SUV/8-seater manufacturers will have to be encouraged/forced to supply the entire range of vehicles with the option of a petrol engine.

— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) December 12, 2015