Delhi prepares to enforce a ban on refuelling end-of-life vehicles from July 1, in a decisive escalation of its air pollution combat strategy. The policy targets petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles exceeding 10 years. Drivers attempting to refuel such vehicles at nearly 500 petrol pumps across the capital will be automatically flagged by ANPR cameras integrated with the VAHAN database.
Under the new system, any attempt to refuel an EOL vehicle triggers denials at the pumps and immediate alerts to enforcement teams. If impounded, two-wheelers face ₹5,000 fines, and four-wheelers ₹10,000, plus towing and storage charges. Owners must then commit in writing to keeping their vehicles off Delhi roads or seek a No Objection Certificate for removal. This measure is set to expand gradually to NCR borders—Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat—with same enforcement expected by November, and the remaining districts by next spring. Authorities aim to clamp down on an estimated 10.6 million EOL vehicles across Delhi-NCR.
Delhi Environment Minister announced that the move supports the city’s ambitious goal of achieving zero-net carbon by eliminating high-polluting vehicles that contribute disproportionately to harmful emissions. According to government data, Delhi alone has 6.2 million old vehicles; NCR adds 4.4 million more. Despite earlier court orders to remove these vehicles, enforcement remained lax—until now. Indentified as a major pollutant source, EOL vehicles often escape emission testing and continue operating unchecked. Officials emphasise that refuelling bans will complement incentives for shifting to electric vehicles, car-pooling options, and intensified public transport networks. Over 100 joint inspection teams will ensure compliance, and any non-cooperating petrol station risks suspension or penalisation.
Environmental groups have welcomed the move but cautioned that enforcement must be consistent and data-driven. Civil society groups highlight potential loopholes, such as pumping outside ANPR zones, vehicle re-registration, or manual plate alterations. They urge Delhi to tighten regulations, expand charging infrastructure, and promote scrappage schemes for an inclusive transition.
Commuters and civic activists largely support the ban. One Delhi resident commented, “Our lungs need relief. If old vehicles remain on roads, other measures can’t help.” Another driver acknowledged the benefit but expressed concern about enforcement inconveniences at city boundaries. This initiative marks one of the country’s most assertive regulatory steps to phase out polluting vehicles. It complements ongoing measures such as the odd-even scheme and fuel levies. Experts note it could become a template for other polluted cities.
Yet some commercial drivers and lower-income residents could face hardship if unable to scrap or replace old vehicles. The government says scrappage incentives and accessible public transport schemes will mitigate displacement, but the policy’s social equity will depend on timely roll-out of support.
With the ban set to begin in four days, Delhi now enters a critical phase in its pollution control strategy. Success hinges not just on technology and enforcement, but on the city’s ability to offer affordable alternatives, ensuring cleaner air without deepening social divides.
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