Auto Desk – Starting today, if your vehicle is too old, you won’t be able to fill petrol or diesel in Delhi. Posters at petrol pumps across the city now read: “Fuel will not be dispensed to end-of-life vehicles.”
This step has been taken by the Delhi government to fight rising air pollution in the city.
What Are ‘End-of-Life’ Vehicles?
- Petrol vehicles that are 15 years or older
- Diesel vehicles that are 10 years or older
These vehicles are now banned from refuelling in Delhi.
Why This Ban?
According to a study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), vehicles cause 51% of Delhi’s pollution. So, this ban is a major step to clean the city’s air.
How Many Vehicles Are Affected?
- In Delhi: Around 62 lakh vehicles
- In Haryana: 27.5 lakh
- In Uttar Pradesh: 12.69 lakh
- In Rajasthan: 6.2 lakh
This rule is part of Direction No. 89 issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and covers all types of vehicles — two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, goods carriers, and even vintage ones.
What’s Happening at Petrol Pumps?
- Police, Traffic Police, and MCD teams are checking vehicles at fuel stations.
- ANPR cameras (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) have been installed at 498 petrol pumps. These cameras match your vehicle number with the VAHAN database to check the age.
- If your vehicle is too old, the system alerts the fuel station, and your refuelling will be stopped.
- Your vehicle details will also be shared with authorities for impounding and scrapping.
Special Arrangements:
- 350 fuel stations will have traffic police officers present.
- Two extra police personnel will also be at each pump to maintain law and order.
- 59 special teams from the Transport Department are also checking selected pumps.
