Delhi to ban fuel supply to vehicles over 15 years old from 1st April to ‘curb pollution’
Starting 1st April, vehicles older than 15 years will no longer be able to refuel at petrol pumps across Delhi, as part of a new initiative aimed at curbing pollution in the capital. The policy, announced by Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, is part of a broader effort to enforce existing restrictions on ageing vehicles, apparently improve air quality in the city.
The restriction will apply to all petrol, diesel and CNG vehicles that have exceeded 15 years since their registration. This step aligns with the guidelines set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which in 2015 had prohibited the operation of diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol or CNG vehicles older than 15 years in the National Capital Region.
To implement the measure, the government has rolled out a pilot project called the ‘Aaveg System,’ designed to identify end-of-life vehicles at fuel stations. Around 500 petrol pumps have been equipped with special devices that will help detect vehicles falling under the restricted category, ensuring they are denied fuel supply.
In addition to the new system, the environment department plans to form dedicated teams to identify and track older vehicles operating across the city, even outside of refuelling stations.
The decision comes amid ongoing concerns over Delhi’s air pollution levels. Minister Sirsa highlighted that air quality monitoring will also be strengthened around sensitive areas such as the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where vehicular emissions will be closely tracked.
The government is exploring additional measures to incentivise eco-friendly practices. One proposal involves offering carbon credits to individuals and businesses who actively reduce emissions, while another suggests providing credits for participating in tree plantation drives. There are also early discussions about the feasibility of cloud seeding to address air quality concerns.
With these steps, the Delhi government aims to balance environmental protection with practical enforcement, while encouraging residents and businesses to contribute to improving air quality across the capital.
