No More Old Vehicles in Delhi? Big News Alert for Owners With 15-year-old cars. You won’t be allowed to…

New Delhi: To combat air pollution, Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has announced that vehicles older than 15 years will no longer be eligible for fuel at petrol pumps starting April 1, 2025. This decision is part of the government's broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the national capital. 

No More Old Vehicles in Delhi?     

To ensure compliance, the Delhi government plans to install advanced gadgets at all fuel stations to identify non-compliant vehicles. These devices will use technology to track the age of vehicles and deny fuel to those exceeding the 15-year limit. This system is a proactive measure designed to enforce pollution control measures at the grassroots level.

Existing Regulations and Broader Measures

The new policy aligns with Delhi's existing regulations, which ban diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. The government has emphasised that this decision is critical for improving the city's air quality and protecting public health.

Delhi has already implemented several anti-pollution initiatives. These include…

Anti-Smog Guns: High-rise buildings, hotels, and commercial complexes are mandated to install anti-smog guns to reduce particulate matter in the air.

Electric Buses: Transitioning the public transport fleet to electric buses to minimise carbon emissions.

Plantation Drives: Promoting large-scale tree plantation drives to increase green cover and act as natural air purifiers. 

Impact on Vehicle Owners

Vehicle owners in Delhi are strongly advised to transition to compliant vehicles, such as those running on electric or hybrid systems, to avoid disruption. Scrapping non-compliant vehicles or retrofitting them with pollution control devices are other options that individuals may consider.

Step Towards a Cleaner Delhi 

This initiative showcases the government's commitment to addressing the pollution crisis and sets a precedent for other cities across the country. While the new measure might cause temporary inconvenience, its long-term benefits for public health and the environment far outweigh the challenges.

No Fuel for Old Vehicles in Delhi Soon: Govt Set to Launch Pollution Crackdown by April-End

To enforce this regulation, the Delhi government will install advanced gadgets at all fuel stations to identify vehicles exceeding the age limit. These devices will ensure that petrol and diesel are not dispensed to non-compliant vehicles. The initiative is expected to significantly curb pollution caused by outdated vehicles, which contribute heavily to Delhi's deteriorating air quality.

The move aligns with Delhi's existing policy that bans diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from operating on the roads. Authorities have emphasised that this measure is crucial for addressing the city's pollution crisis, which has long been a pressing issue for residents.

In addition to this, the government is implementing other anti-pollution measures, including the installation of anti-smog guns at high-rise buildings, hotels, and commercial complexes. Efforts are also underway to transition public transport to electric buses and promote plantation drives to create new green spaces.