Delhi Govt Rolls Back Fuel Ban On Old Petrol and Diesel Vehicles, Buckles Under Massive Public Outrage

New Delhi: Amid mounting backlash from residents and opposition parties, the Delhi government has put the controversial End-of-Life (EOL) vehicle impounding policy on hold, just days after its enforcement began.

The policy, based on Direction No. 89 issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), had directed petrol stations across Delhi to stop refuelling old petrol and diesel vehicles starting July 1. 

It was aimed at phasing out aging, polluting vehicles to combat the city's worsening air quality. A joint enforcement strategy was rolled out involving the Transport Department, Delhi Police, and traffic personnel to ensure compliance.

However, following a surge of public anger, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa wrote to the CAQM, requesting an immediate pause on the policy’s implementation.

In the letter, the Delhi government cited critical infrastructure limitations, such as non-functional Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, defective loudspeakers, and a lack of integrated data systems across the NCR, as reasons for halting enforcement.

“We urge the Commission to put the implementation of Direction No. 89 on hold with immediate effect till the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system is seamlessly integrated across the entire NCR. We are confident that the ongoing multi-pronged efforts of the Delhi Government will achieve substantial improvements in air quality,” the letter stated.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Sirsa announced that old vehicles will not be impounded arbitrarily. “The Chief Minister has assured residents that old vehicles will not be impounded arbitrarily. We will not allow old vehicles to be impounded. At the same time, we are committed to controlling pollution in Delhi,” he said.

Sirsa added that Delhi residents are already struggling with various challenges around EOL vehicles, and without the right systems in place, enforcement would be unjust. “Until proper systems are in place, impounding should not proceed,” he asserted, while clarifying that any final decision on withdrawing or pausing the policy lies with CAQM.

With the policy now in limbo, all eyes are on the CAQM for further direction, even as the debate continues over balancing public convenience and environmental responsibility.

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