Strict 10-Year Diesel Ban in Delhi-NCR Sparks Public Outcry
In a striking example of how Delhi’s 10-year diesel vehicle ban is affecting car owners, a Delhi resident, Ritesh Gandotra, was recently forced to sell his luxury Range Rover SUV—bought for Rs 55 lakh in 2018—for a “throwaway price.” The reason? The National Capital Region’s strict enforcement of the 10-year diesel vehicle deregistration policy.
🔑 Key Highlights:
Gandotra’s Rs 55 lakh luxury SUV sold for a pittance due to policy restrictions
SUV had only 74,000 km on the odometer
Vehicle was meticulously maintained and had spent two years idle during COVID lockdowns
Citizens raise concerns over policy fairness and environmental planning
What Happened? — A Costly Farewell to a Luxury SUV
Ritesh Gandotra purchased a high-end Range Rover in 2018 for Rs 55 lakh. The SUV was not just an expensive investment but also a well-maintained machine, having run only 74,000 km over the years. Due to pandemic restrictions, the vehicle remained unused for nearly two years—further preserving its condition.
Despite its excellent condition and low mileage, Gandotra was forced to sell it as Delhi’s 10-year diesel rule does not allow diesel vehicles older than 10 years to be registered or refueled within the NCR limits.
Delhi’s 10-Year Diesel Ban: What Does the Policy Say?
🚫 End-of-Life (EoL) Vehicle Policy in Delhi-NCR
According to Delhi’s End-of-Life vehicle policy, diesel vehicles that are more than 10 years old, and petrol vehicles older than 15 years, are automatically deregistered. Owners are not allowed to use them on NCR roads, irrespective of the car’s condition or mileage.
⚠️ Why This Rule Exists
The regulation stems from efforts to curb air pollution in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities globally. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court had directed stringent steps to phase out older, more polluting vehicles.
Owner’s Frustration Goes Viral: “Penalty on Common Sense”
Gandotra took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration. He wrote:
“A 2018 Range Rover, barely used, perfectly maintained, forced to sell outside NCR for a fraction of its value. This is not regulation—it’s a penalty on common sense.”
Though he later deleted the post, it had already ignited widespread public discussion. Users expressed sympathy and echoed his sentiments, calling the policy financially harsh and environmentally shortsighted.
Public Reactions: A Divided Debate Over the 10-Year Diesel Rule
📢 Voices Against the Policy
Several users on social media called the government’s rule unreasonable. One user commented:
“Even a 50-year-old car can run if maintained well. Why punish responsible owners?”
Another pointed to the financial burden:
“Why should someone sell a well-kept vehicle at scrap price and then pay 50% tax on a new one?”
🌆 Call for Urban Reform, Not Just Vehicle Bans
Others pointed to deeper systemic issues:
“Want a pollution-free Delhi? Build a city where people don’t need private vehicles. Imagine Delhi without the Metro—it would be unlivable.”
Why Vehicle Owners Are Angry: Major Points of Concern
1. 💰 Financial Loss
People like Gandotra face massive depreciation losses, often recovering less than 10% of their car’s purchase value.
2. 🧰 No Credit for Maintenance
Well-maintained vehicles are treated the same as poorly maintained ones. There’s no incentive for responsible vehicle ownership.
3. 🚫 No Option to Retrofit or Extend
Unlike in some global cities, there’s no approved mechanism to retrofit diesel vehicles with cleaner tech to extend usability.
4. 📉 Limited Resale Market
Owners are forced to sell their vehicles outside NCR, where demand may be limited, further lowering resale value.
Possible Solutions and What the Government Can Consider
✅ Incentivize Cleaner Retrofits
Policies could allow retrofitting of old diesel vehicles with BS-VI or electric engines, encouraging a circular economy.
✅ Introduce Conditional Revalidation
Allow low-emission, well-maintained vehicles to undergo emissions tests and continue usage with conditional re-registration.
✅ Expand Scrappage Incentives
Provide better financial incentives under the Vehicle Scrappage Policy, to make transitioning more attractive.
Impact on the Automobile Market and Environment
This situation is not unique. As more diesel vehicles near their 10-year deadline, the number of forced sales is expected to rise. The used car market in NCR is seeing a surge in low-value diesel cars, while rural or Tier-2 cities are receiving older models. This may create air quality imbalances across regions, defeating the environmental goal.
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🔚 Conclusion: Is Delhi’s Diesel Ban a Necessary Evil or Policy Overreach?
While the intent behind Delhi’s 10-year diesel rule is to promote cleaner air, the one-size-fits-all approach is increasingly being challenged. For citizens like Ritesh Gandotra, it has meant letting go of a cherished asset—not because it was unfit, but because the law didn’t account for responsible , ownership.As the debate around sustainable transport continues, policymakers must balance environmental goals with economic realities—or risk alienating the very citizens they aim to protect.
