Delhi Transport Department starts fresh crackdown on old vehicles
The Delhi Transport Department has initiated a renewed crackdown on overage vehicles in an effort to curb air pollution as winter approaches. This enforcement drive, which began earlier this week, is expected to continue through December. The move comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce pollution levels in the capital, which tend to spike during the colder months.
Focus on Overage Diesel and Petrol Vehicles
The campaign is aimed at diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles exceeding 15 years of age. These vehicles are being targeted as part of the city’s efforts to control vehicular emissions, which the government believes is a major contributor to Delhi’s air quality issues. According to officials, a total of 213 vehicles, including two-wheelers, cars and e-rickshaws, were impounded on the first day of the operation.
Teams from the Traffic Police, working in collaboration with the Transport Department’s enforcement wing, are stationed in different municipal zones across the city. Their goal is to identify vehicles that continue to operate or are parked in public spaces despite exceeding their legally permitted lifespan.
Scrapping and Relocation Options
For owners of such vehicles, there are three primary options. The first is to park the vehicle in a privately owned space to avoid confiscation. The second option involves applying for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to transfer the vehicle out of Delhi, with owners given a year to complete the transfer process. Lastly, owners can choose to scrap their vehicles through a registered agency.
Vehicles seized in this operation will be sent directly to scrapping yards, according to officials. This includes not only old diesel and petrol vehicles but also unregistered and unfit e-rickshaws, which have been flagged as part of the ongoing drive.
Previous Crackdown and Long-Term Impact
This is the second major crackdown on overage vehicles in recent years. A similar drive was launched in March last year, which lasted for several months and resulted in the deregistration of over 55 lakh vehicles. Many of these vehicles, despite being deregistered, continued to be driven or parked in public spaces, necessitating renewed enforcement efforts.
A senior official from the Transport Department emphasised the importance of this operation, stating that removing these vehicles is crucial for improving air quality in the city. The official added that the department will continue its efforts to ensure that non-compliant vehicles are either scrapped or relocated.
Public Response and Compliance
While the crackdown has garnered support from environmental groups and residents concerned about air pollution, it has also raised concerns among vehicle owners, especially those who may struggle to replace their older vehicles. Some vehicle owners have expressed frustration over the strict enforcement measures, citing the cost of new vehicles or the challenges of securing alternative transportation.
Nevertheless, officials remain firm on the need for such actions, pointing to the rising pollution levels in the city. The crackdown, they argue, is a necessary step to address Delhi’s ongoing battle with air pollution, particularly during the winter months when the city’s air quality typically deteriorates.
As the operation continues, vehicle owners are being urged to ensure compliance with the rules and take necessary steps to avoid penalties. The Transport Department has set up assistance centers to guide vehicle owners through the process of obtaining NOCs or accessing scrapping services.
