Fuel Ban on Old Vehicles Begins in Delhi to Curb Pollution; 62 Lakh Vehicles Affected
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st July: In a major push to tackle the capital’s air pollution crisis, the Delhi government has started enforcing a ban on dispensing fuel to “end-of-life” vehicles from today. Petrol pumps across the city are putting up posters reading: “Fuel will not be dispensed to end-of-life vehicles.”
Under the new directive, petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old are now barred from refuelling. This move comes in line with Statutory Direction No. 89 issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), applicable across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Over 60 Lakh Vehicles Affected in Delhi Alone
The crackdown affects over 61 lakh vehicles in Delhi, with a total of nearly 109 lakh vehicles impacted across the NCR including:
- 27.5 lakh in Haryana
- 12.69 lakh in Uttar Pradesh
- 6.2 lakh in Rajasthan
The initiative is in response to data from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which highlighted that vehicular emissions account for 51% of Delhi’s local pollution sources, making them the top polluters in the region.
Enforcement Plan Rolled Out
The Transport Department, in coordination with Delhi Police, Traffic Police, and MCD, has put together a deployment plan to ensure compliance:
- ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras installed at 498 fuel stations will identify overaged vehicles using the VAHAN database.
- Delhi Police will manage stations numbered 1–100.
- 59 enforcement teams will be deployed by the Transport Department at pumps 101–159.
- One traffic police officer and two additional police personnel will be posted at each of 350 petrol stations.
- Identified violators will be reported for impounding and scrapping.
Concerns Over Implementation
However, several stakeholders have raised concerns over the sudden implementation without public awareness or trial:
“This scheme should be rolled out simultaneously across the NCR. A trial should have been conducted for at least 30 days,” said Nischal Singhania, a Delhi petrol dealer.
“There’s a fear of unintentionally serving an old vehicle and being penalised,” he added.
A commuter named Mohit echoed similar worries:
“Those transiting through Delhi will be badly hit. Many are unaware, especially the less educated. A week-long trial would have helped.”
NDTV’s ground visit to a fuel station in Green Park revealed staff were untrained and uncertain about how to deny fuel to violators.
A two-wheeler rider also raised a valid concern:
“Some old vehicles are well-maintained and shouldn’t be penalised. A PUCC (Pollution Under Control Certificate) should be enough in such cases.”
The move has drawn mixed reactions, with environmental advocates hailing it as long overdue and essential for cleaner air, while many citizens are calling for greater clarity, training, and awareness before full-scale enforcement.
