Why in News : The Delhi government, following a directive from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), began enforcing a fuel ban on old vehicles (diesel >10 years, petrol >15 years) from July 1, 2025, to tackle worsening air pollution. The move has sparked public backlash and raised concerns over technology gaps and implementation hurdles.
What is the Fuel Ban?
Scope:
- From July 1, 2025: Applies in Delhi.
- From Nov 1, 2025: High-density NCR districts.
- From Apr 1, 2026: Entire NCR.
Applies to:
- Diesel vehicles >10 years old.
- Petrol vehicles >15 years old.
- Fuel denial enforced at 498 fuel stations using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras linked with VAHAN database.
Legal Backing:
- NGT Ban (2015): Upheld by Supreme Court in 2018.
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Environment Protection (ELV) Rules, 2025.
Technology-Based Enforcement:
- ANPR cameras scan number plates, cross-check vehicle age, and trigger fuel denial.
Challenges:
- Faulty or misplaced ANPR systems.
- Errors due to HSRP (High-Security Registration Plate) discrepancies.
- Lack of data integration across NCR districts.
Result: Users bypass the system by refueling in adjoining areas.
Government Response:
Delhi Govt Position:
- Called the immediate implementation premature.
- Cited infrastructure glitches and citizen hardship.
Future Measures:
- New system for ELV management under consideration.
- Avoiding impoundment of vehicles until tech is fully functional.
Why Are Older Vehicles Targeted?
Emission Contribution:
- BS-IV diesel vehicles emit 4.5–5.5x more PM than BS-VI.
Transport sector share in emissions:
- 28% of PM2.5
- 41% of SO₂
- 78% of NOx
BS-VI Norms came into force from April 1, 2020.
- Pre-2020 vehicles, even if maintained, have inferior emission controls.
Legal and Policy Framework:
| Law/Policy | Provision |
| Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 | Private vehicle registration valid for 15 years |
| NGT Order (2015) | Ban on diesel >10 yrs, petrol >15 yrs in Delhi-NCR |
| SC Order (2018) | Directed impoundment of non-compliant vehicles |
| RVSF Rules, 2023 | Scrapping linked to expiry of registration |
| Environment Protection (ELV) | Rules, 2025Mandated scrapping of ELVs within 180 days post registration expiry |
Criticism and Concerns:
- Enforcement Gaps: Faulty tech, data mismatches, unclear appeal processes.
- Public Inconvenience: Widespread confusion, vehicle owners penalized without notice.
- Social Equity Issue: Poor and middle-class bear brunt of the sudden ban.
- Bypass Loopholes: Vehicles fuel up outside Delhi due to lack of integrated systems.
Effectiveness and Limitations:
Not a Silver Bullet:
- Older vehicles are major, but not sole contributors to pollution.
- Poor maintenance of newer vehicles also causes emissions.
CSE View: Age-based bans are not scalable across India; must be complemented by broader reforms.
Way Forward – A Multi-Pronged Strategy:
Technological Upgrades:
- Fix and integrate ANPR and VAHAN systems across NCR.
- Improve PUC enforcement and emission tracking.
Expand Public Transport:
- Shift focus from bans to offering accessible, clean alternatives.
Regulatory Clarity:
- Transparent mechanisms for vehicle owners to contest bans.
Promote Voluntary Scrapping:
- Improve incentives under the Vehicle Scrappage Policy.
Holistic Urban Planning:
- Tackle dust, construction waste, biomass burning, and industrial emissions.
| UPSC Relevance : GS Paper 2 – Governance, Environmental Policies GS Paper 3 – Environmental Pollution and Mitigation Measures Mains Question Practice: Q. Delhi’s fuel ban for end-of-life vehicles aims to tackle air pollution, but has triggered controversy and operational challenges. Discuss the legal, technological, and environmental dimensions of this policy. Suggest a multi-pronged approach to tackle urban air pollution. (15 marks) |