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Context:

As of July 1, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years cannot legally get fuel in Delhi's fuel stations.

Introduction:
Air pollution remains a persistent challenge for Delhi, prompting authorities to take strict regulatory measures. One of the most significant steps has been the enforcement of a fuel ban on old vehicles that have crossed their legal lifespan. This move, driven by both legal mandates and environmental urgency, has wide-ranging implications for urban mobility, public health, and environmental governance.

What Is the Fuel Ban Policy?

The Delhi government has implemented a ban on the refueling of diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years at fuel stations across the city. The directive stems from the broader legal framework provided by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court of India.

• Diesel vehicles over 10 years old and
• Petrol vehicles over 15 years are deemed illegal for use in Delhi, regardless of their roadworthiness or pollution levels. These vehicles are not allowed to ply or even be parked in public spaces.

Legal Background:

• In 2015, the NGT ordered that 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles be deregistered and not allowed to operate in Delhi.
• In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld this directive, stressing the right to a clean and healthy environment under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Further enforcement has been pursued through the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Delhi’s local vehicular pollution control policies.

Implementation Mechanism:

• The Delhi Transport Department has integrated this ban with the PUC (Pollution Under Control) system and vehicle registration data.
• Fuel stations are instructed to deny fuel to vehicles that fall under the banned categories, with alerts generated via vehicle number plate recognition and real-time registration checks.

Penalties for Violation:

• Owners of such vehicles face heavy penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act.
• Repeated violations may lead to seizure and scrapping of vehicles.
• Vehicle scrappage policy offers an alternative route for owners to dispose of their vehicles in exchange for incentives on new purchases.

Environmental Rationale:

• Vehicular emissions contribute significantly to Delhi’s PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
• Older vehicles lack modern emission controls and are disproportionately responsible for NOx, SO2, and particulate emissions.
• The ban aligns with India’s larger goal of reducing carbon footprints and transitioning towards cleaner transport systems under India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Challenges in Enforcement:

• Identification and verification at fuel stations remain logistically complex.
• Potential for misuse or bypassing the system using fuel from neighboring states.
• Resistance from vehicle owners due to lack of awareness, financial constraints, or absence of viable alternatives.

Way Forward:

• Improved digital tracking of vehicle registration and emissions history is essential.
• Delhi can implement a city-wide green number plate policy to distinguish compliant vehicles.
• Enhanced public transport and last-mile connectivity can reduce dependence on older private vehicles.
• Public awareness campaigns and scrappage incentives need to be scaled up.

Conclusion:
The fuel ban for old vehicles in Delhi is a legal and environmental necessity in the face of rising air pollution levels. While implementation challenges persist, the move sets a precedent for other Indian cities grappling with vehicular emissions. A combination of strict enforcement, public cooperation, and infrastructural support is key to ensuring cleaner air and sustainable urban living.

Source: Indian Express