Delhi Government Seeks End to Fuel Ban on Older Vehicles
Letter sent to CAQM citing technical hurdles and complex systems behind fuel restrictions in NCR
New Delhi : In a significant development, the Delhi government has written to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), requesting a withdrawal of the fuel-based restrictions on older vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR). The move comes amid growing concerns about the practical challenges and technical limitations involved in enforcing the current policy.
Under the existing rules, diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old are banned from plying in Delhi-NCR, aimed at reducing vehicular pollution. However, the government has now raised concerns over the complex system of enforcement, including difficulties in identifying non-compliant vehicles and technological limitations in monitoring emissions on a real-time basis.
The letter, which has sparked a fresh debate among environmentalists and vehicle owners alike, emphasizes the need for a more flexible and practical solution to address the city’s air quality issues. Officials argue that with advancements in emission control technologies and retrofitting options, some older vehicles can still meet emission norms if monitored and maintained correctly.
The government has proposed a system of periodic checks and emission certifications instead of blanket bans. This, they argue, would allow economically weaker sections and small businesses, who rely on older vehicles for daily livelihood, to continue operating without being penalized unfairly.
The letter also hints at the need for a holistic urban transport policy that balances environmental priorities with public convenience and economic impact. The government has called on CAQM to form a technical committee to reassess the fuel-age bans and explore alternative approaches such as green retrofitting, stricter PUC norms, and incentives for electric vehicle adoption.
Environmental groups, however, have expressed concerns that easing the restrictions could undo years of efforts to control Delhi’s notorious pollution levels. CAQM has not yet responded officially to the letter, but insiders suggest a review meeting could be scheduled soon. As this policy debate unfolds, lakhs of vehicle owners in Delhi and surrounding regions are watching closely, hopeful for a decision that balances environmental concerns with ground realities.