Delhi won’t scrap old vehicles amid backlash.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that the government is exploring a more practical and balanced approach to address vehicular pollution in the capital. Instead of enforcing a blanket ban on all overage vehicles, the administration is considering evaluating vehicles based on the actual emissions they produce. This move comes in response to growing public backlash and logistical challenges surrounding the scrapping of older vehicles. Sirsa emphasized that many older vehicles are still well-maintained and meet emission standards, and a one-size-fits-all policy could unfairly burden citizens. The government aims to implement a scientific and data-driven strategy that targets high-emission vehicles regardless of age, ensuring both environmental protection and minimal disruption to the public.
Delhi Government Halts Impounding of Old Vehicles Amid Public Outcry and Implementation Challenges
vehicles (ELVs) despite a directive from the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM). The decision comes in the wake of strong public backlash and concerns about the practical difficulties of enforcing the rule.
The CAQM had recently issued a directive mandating fuel stations to deny petrol or diesel to such vehicles starting July 1. The directive also authorised the use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to identify and impound these vehicles. However, Sirsa stated that his government is not in favor of such blanket enforcement measures, and has formally requested the CAQM to put its directive on hold.
“We are committed to cleaning Delhi’s air, but not at the cost of causing hardship to our citizens,” said Mr. Sirsa at a press conference. This is not just a policy stance but a resolution taken by our Chief Minister Rekha Guptaji. It reflects her promise to protect the interests and dignity of our people.”
“We understand the pain and emotional attachment many people have with their vehicles. Some cars may have been gifts or hold sentimental value and are not even driven frequently. These cannot be treated as regular polluters,” Ms. Gupta said at a public event on Thursday.
She added that her government would do everything possible to address the concerns related to the ban on ELVs. “We will raise the voice of the people wherever required. Our focus is on finding a balanced solution that ensures clean air without punishing responsible citizens unnecessarily.”
An official from Mr. Sirsa’s office confirmed that the ANPR-based enforcement at fuel stations would be halted from Friday onwards. However, there was no formal notification from the Delhi government at the time of the announcement, leaving some uncertainty about how long the pause will last.
This move has drawn mixed reactions. Environmentalists argue that delaying action on ELVs could compromise efforts to combat pollution, especially in a city where vehicular emissions are a major contributor to air quality issues. On the other hand, many citizens have welcomed the decision, saying that sudden enforcement without adequate alternatives or public consultation was unfair and unfeasible.