Introduction: Major U-turn in Delhi Vehicle Policy
In a surprising move, the Delhi government has decided not to proceed with the ban on ‘end of life vehicles’ (ELVs)—which include petrol vehicle old than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years—after facing widespread public backlash and technical challenges in implementation. The ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) based fuel denial system, scheduled to begin from July 1, 2025, has now been halted.
Why the Sudden Change in Policy?
Public Outrage Forced Reconsideration
Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the decision was made due to the “public outcry and emotional distress” associated with impounding personal vehicles, especially those of sentimental value.
“We will clean Delhi’s environment, but will not allow Delhiites’ vehicles to be impounded,” Sirsa stated.
Systemic and Technological Hurdles
The government acknowledged serious flaws in rolling out the ANPR-based enforcement system due to:
Lack of technical readiness
Poor coordination with neighboring NCR states
Operational difficulties at petrol stations
Privacy and enforcement concerns with ANPR technology
Background: What Was the Proposed Ban on ELVs?
CAQM Directive and ANPR Enforcement
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), in an April 23 directive, ordered fuel stations in Delhi to deny petrol or diesel to all ELVs using ANPR camera surveillance. Key details included:
Ban start date in Delhi: July 1, 2025
NCR cities implementation: Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, Sonipat from November 1, 2025
Wider NCR rollout: April 1, 2026
Massive Numbers at Stake
According to CAQM, there are:
62 lakh ELVs in Delhi
44 lakh ELVs in the rest of the NCR region
These vehicles were previously banned under a 2015 National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruling but had continued to operate.
Key Statements from Delhi Government
Manjinder Singh Sirsa: Environmental Goals, Not Harassment
Sirsa said the aim is clean air, not penalizing citizens.
A request letter was sent to CAQM seeking a hold on enforcement.
“Due to technological integration challenges of this extremely complex system and lack of coordination with neighbouring states, there is public discontent and outcry,” the letter stated.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta: People First
CM Rekha Gupta also reassured the public, saying:
“The pain of Delhi people is understandable. We will make all efforts to address these issues and protect people’s sentiments.”
She also mentioned that many vehicles are emotionally valuable keepsakes, having been gifted by loved ones or kept in excellent condition despite age.
What’s Next? Alternatives Under Consideration
Emission-Based Rather Than Age-Based Evaluation
Delhi government is now looking into:
Emission-level based regulations instead of blanket bans
This shift is seen as more equitable and technologically viable.
Enforcement Halt: No Impounding for Now
According to an official in Mr. Sirsa’s office:
The ANPR-based fuel denial system will not be enforced from Friday, July 4.
The Delhi Transport Department and traffic police will stop impounding ELVs seen at fuel stations.
However, no formal notification was issued by the government at the time of writing.
Political Reactions: Blame Game Begins
AAP vs BJP
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), currently in opposition, claimed public pressure forced the BJP-led Delhi government to roll back the measure.
“The BJP government was simply hiding behind a court order. When people protested, it had to withdraw. In democracy, the people are supreme,” said AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj.
Sirsa Accuses AAP of Hypocrisy
In retaliation, Sirsa alleged that the previous AAP government had accepted funds from automobile dealers and proposed similar measures in 2022 but never implemented them.
Public Reactions: Relief and Questions
Key Citizen Concerns Addressed
Emotional attachments to older vehicles
Limited use of vintage or classic cars
High maintenance but low usage vehicles not being polluting
Unjustified financial burden on car owners
Many citizens welcomed the government’s “people-first approach”, though concerns remain about future strategies for pollution control.
Expert Opinions on Pollution Control
Environmental experts suggest:
Strengthening public transport
Incentivizing electric vehicles (EVs)
Stringent checks on industrial emissions and construction dust
Localized pollution mapping
“Banning old vehicles alone won’t fix Delhi’s air crisis. We need a 360-degree approach,” said an IIT-Delhi environmental scientist.
Conclusion: A Policy Pause, Not Abandonment
The Delhi government’s rollback of the ELV fuel ban is a clear sign that public sentiment and administrative feasibility must go hand in hand. While pollution remains a serious concern, the state has chosen a more humane and technically sound route toward cleaner air.
Stay tuned to KhabrainHindustan.com for the latest updates on Delhi vehicle policy, pollution control measures, and fuel station regulations.
