Do You Own a 15-Year-Old Vehicle in Delhi? 5 Things You Must Know

New Delhi: The Delhi government, under the newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, has introduced a strict measure to tackle air pollution vehicles older than 15 years will no longer be allowed to refuel at petrol pumps. 

Here are five key things you must know about this major policy change:  

1. No Fuel for 15-Year-Old Vehicles

From April 1, 2025, petrol pumps in Delhi will stop providing fuel to vehicles older than 15 years. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that petrol stations will have technology installed to detect such vehicles and deny them service.  

2. Teams to Identify and Enforce Ban

A special team will be formed to identify old vehicles still operating on Delhi’s roads. The focus will be on ensuring compliance, particularly for heavy vehicles entering the city.  

3. Existing Scrapping Rules Still Apply

Delhi already has a rule banning diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. According to a 2021 order, such vehicles should be impounded and sent to the scrapyard if found on the roads.  

4. Anti-Smog Guns and Pollution Control for Businesses

The government is making anti-smog guns mandatory for high-rise buildings, hotels, and commercial complexes. Large businesses contributing to pollution will be required to install anti-pollution devices.  

5. More Green Initiatives on the Way

The government plans annual plantation drives involving university students, the creation of new forests on vacant land, and even cloud seeding to tackle pollution. Delhi officials are shifting focus from blaming neighboring states to addressing pollution sources within the city.  

With 157 days of poor or worse air quality last year, this crackdown aims to bring long-term improvements.