New Delhi: Beginning Tuesday, the Delhi government will implement a significant new measure to combat air pollution by halting the sale of petrol and diesel to end-of-life (EoL) or over-age vehicles. The move targets vehicles that exceed the age limits set by law — petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles older than 10 years.
According to an official, this step is aimed at reducing vehicular emissions, one of the leading contributors to poor air quality in the National Capital Region. Fuel pump operators confirmed that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and other digital devices connected to the transport ministry’s database have been installed at outlets across the city to help enforce the directive.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed that all EoL vehicles detected via ANPR cameras or similar systems at filling stations will be denied fuel starting July 1 across Delhi.
Sanjay Dedha, manager of a petrol pump in Vivek Vihar, said the system has already been set up. “We will see from tomorrow how it functions. If there are any server-related issues, we will physically verify old vehicles and deny them fuel accordingly,” he said. “We support the government’s efforts — it’s beneficial for everyone’s health.”
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, “Delhi will not be defined by landfills or smog. Our goal is zero waste mountains, minimum dust, and cleaner air in every neighbourhood — this is governance that acts, not waits.”
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also stressed the administration’s commitment to a pollution-free and greener capital. In a statement on X, she said, “Public transportation is rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles, which will not only cut pollution but also provide clean and affordable mobility to Delhi residents.”
The AI-enabled cameras at fuel stations will scan number plates, cross-check them with the Transport Department’s database, and notify staff when an overage vehicle is detected. EoL vehicles include all deregistered vehicles as well as petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles over 10 years old, regardless of whether they run on petrol, diesel, or CNG.
The Transport Department has warned fuel station owners that supplying fuel to such vehicles could result in action being taken against them.
This initiative is a part of Delhi’s broader efforts to combat pollution and improve urban air quality through stricter vehicle regulations and the promotion of electric mobility.
With IANS inputs