'Ache Din' not for Delhi citizens as fuel ban for old vehicles to kick in from November

India Today

5 hours ago

The Delhi-NCR region is bracing for a fresh wave of vehicular restrictions as a fuel ban targeting End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles is set to take effect from November 1, 2025. The move, initiated by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), aims to curb air pollution by prohibiting fuel supply to diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.advertisementThe latest order comes after weeks of confusion and fierce public backlash, triggered by an earlier July 1 rollout of the same ban in Delhi. Under the directive, petrol pumps were instructed to deny fuel to EOL vehicles, supported by automated ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems and police enforcement.However, within days, the Delhi government backtracked, suspending the fuel restriction temporarily following widespread outrage from citizens.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that vehicles would not be impounded and emphasised a "new system" to balance environmental goals with public rights. "We will not let Delhi's environment be harmed, nor will we permit the confiscation of vehicles owned by its residents," he said on July 4.In response to Delhi's plea, CAQM convened a meeting and decided to enforce the fuel ban uniformly across all six NCR cities which includes Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Sonipat, from November 1, providing time for systemic improvements and public preparation.The authorities acknowledged operational challenges, including:Incomplete ANPR infrastructure in NCR citiesPoor integration with state vehicle databasesRisk of illegal fuel sourcing from neighbouring statesThese concerns were central to the Delhi government's request for a delay in implementation.The policy has sparked political uproar and legal action. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena urged the state government to pause the move, calling the ban unfair to the middle class who "spend their life's earnings on a vehicle."Delhi High Court has also issued notices to the Delhi government and CAQM in response to a petition filed by the Delhi Petrol Dealers Association, which challenged the enforceability of the order.Meanwhile, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta admitted on social media that while the government is committed to fighting pollution, the transition must be sensitive to economic and social realities.When the ban was first announced at the start of the month, opposition leaders, including Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi, lashed out at the BJP-led Delhi government, accusing it of acting hastily, backpedaling under pressure, and lacking administrative foresight. Atishi went further, alleging "collusion" with car manufacturers and scrap dealers, calling the plan a "betrayal of public trust."If implemented as scheduled, from November 1, no fuel will be provided to vehicles that fall outside the age criteria in all six NCR districts. Authorities plan to rely on ANPR cameras to automatically detect the age of vehicles at fuel stations.advertisementHowever, unless a formal, transparent, and uniform system is introduced across NCR and unless public concerns are addressed, the policy may once again run into logistical roadblocks, public defiance, and more challenges.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- Ends