New Delhi: As Delhi strives to tackle its chronic air pollution, a significant policy shift is about to take effect. By the end of April, the city is set to implement a ban on fueling petrol vehicles aged over 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb emissions and enhance public health, driven by the city’s long-standing battle with hazardous pollution levels.
Delhi’s government, in an effort to enforce this policy, is installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at all 500 fuel stations across the city. Currently, 477 stations are equipped, and the remaining installations are expected to be completed within the next two weeks. These cameras link to a central database, identifying vehicles based on their registration number and age, and automatically alert attendants if a vehicle is non-compliant, preventing fuel dispensing.
This move aligns with directives from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal, which previously banned the operation of such old vehicles. The government emphasizes that this policy is crucial for reducing emissions, as older vehicles lack modern pollution controls, leading to higher emissions.
Vehicle owners face several options, including relocating their vehicles to private premises or registering them in other states after obtaining necessary approvals. The Delhi government has also provided guidelines for handling end-of-life vehicles, encouraging owners to consider scrapping or switching to cleaner alternatives like electric vehicles, which the city is actively promoting.
