In a significant move to curb vehicular pollution, the Delhi government is set to implement a policy that will limit fuel supply to the city's overage vehicles. The decision, which is to be fully operational by the end of April 2025, is in sync with previous court and tribunal orders and seeks to propel the capital towards cleaner, greener roads.
Introduction of the No-Fuel Policy
As per the new policy, petrol cars over 15 years and diesel cars over 10 years will be prohibited from refueling at any Delhi petrol pump. This policy is founded on:
- The Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling
- The National Green Tribunal’s 2014 order
Both legal directives prohibit the operation and parking of overage vehicles in public areas due to environmental concerns.
Tech-Driven Enforcement
To ensure foolproof enforcement, the government has started installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at petrol pumps in Delhi. The cameras will automatically read the number plates of vehicles and compare them with the Vahan database to find out the age of the vehicle and whether it is eligible for fuel or not.
As of today:
- 477 out of 500 petrol pumps have already been fitted with ANPR cameras
- The remaining ones will be covered in the next 10 to 15 days
Technological use helps ensure that the policy is not only enforced on paper but practiced practically throughout the city.
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Timeline for Implementation
Initially set for April 1, 2025, implementation, the policy suffered a brief setback due to requirements of absolute infrastructural readiness in all the fuel stations. The new schedule has a citywide rollout at the end of April 2025.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that uniform enforcement was crucial to the success of the policy and that partial implementation would weaken it. Both Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and he are keeping an eye on proceedings to ensure their smooth implementation.
Expected Impact and Future Outlook
The no-fuel policy is likely to bring down the count of polluting vehicles in circulation and prompt residents to use newer or alternative fuel vehicles. It also sends a very clear message regarding the government's seriousness in addressing air pollution by taking tougher regulatory actions.
Conclusion
Delhi’s no-fuel policy for old vehicles is not just another regulation—it marks a significant shift in the city’s environmental approach. By denying fuel to overage vehicles, the government is making a bold move toward cleaner air and responsible mobility. Citizens must now prepare to adapt to this new norm or risk being left behind in the city’s push for sustainability.
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