New Delhi: In a bold step to check the rising air pollution in the national capital, the Delhi government has banned refueling vehicles over 15 years old from March 31, 2025. The step to check vehicular emissions was announced by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa after a high-level meeting with officials.
Key Details of the Ban:
- Implementation Date: From March 31, 2025, petrol stations across Delhi will be instructed not to supply fuel to vehicles that exceed the 15-year age limit.
- Enforcement Mechanism: A specialized team will be constituted to identify and restrict the movement of such vehicles both within the city and at its borders, ensuring comprehensive compliance with the new regulation.
Broader Anti-Pollution Measures: Along with the ban on fuel, the government of Delhi has ordered anti-smog guns installed in big buildings, big offices, construction companies, and even in the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The machines are anticipated to curb the dust and particulate emissions significantly.
Minister Sirsa also disclosed plans to explore cloud seeding to induce artificial rain, particularly during severe pollution episodes. We will secure the necessary permissions for cloud seeding and ensure that artificial rain is used during these episodes,” Sirsa affirmed.
Political Criticism and Accountability: In a sharp critique of the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Sirsa accused it of corruption and mismanagement in multiple sectors, including the controversial CCTV surveillance project. He called for a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit to investigate alleged discrepancies.
Public Response and Challenges: While environmentalists have generally appreciated the initiative, mentioning the pressing need to deal with Delhi’s air pollution issue, there are worries regarding the socio-economic effects on owners of old vehicles who might not have the means to switch. The government is likely to outline its support mechanism for residents to be affected in the coming weeks.
This project is part of a larger trend of embracing strict environmental policies in Indian cities to counter air pollution, a public health crisis that worsens during the winter season as a result of neighboring states’ stubble burning and vehicle emissions.
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