Delhi to Ban Older Petrol and Diesel Vehicles from April 1
New Delhi: In a major move to combat air pollution, the Delhi government has announced a ban on petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years, effective from April 1. This decision aligns with the guidelines set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court to curb vehicular emissions in the national capital.
Implementation and Implications
The Transport Department of Delhi has issued strict directives regarding the ban, stating that vehicles failing to comply will be deregistered. Owners of such vehicles will not be permitted to operate them on city roads, and violators may face hefty fines or impoundment of their vehicles.
To mitigate the impact on vehicle owners, the government has encouraged them to either scrap their old vehicles or apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to transfer them to other states where such restrictions do not apply. However, states within the National Capital Region (NCR) are also expected to enforce similar bans in the future.
Air Pollution and Justification
Delhi has been grappling with severe air pollution for years, with vehicular emissions contributing significantly to the deteriorating air quality. Older vehicles, especially diesel ones, release higher levels of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are harmful to public health.
According to environmental experts, phasing out old, high-emission vehicles is a crucial step in reducing the pollution burden and improving air quality in the city.
Alternatives and Support Measures
To support vehicle owners affected by the ban, the Delhi government has introduced incentives under its Vehicle Scrappage Policy. Authorized scrapping centers have been set up where owners can voluntarily dispose of their old vehicles in exchange for benefits on purchasing new, eco-friendly models.
Additionally, the government is promoting electric vehicles (EVs) as a sustainable alternative. Under the Delhi EV Policy, incentives such as subsidies, road tax exemptions, and charging infrastructure development are being provided to encourage the transition to cleaner transportation.
Enforcement and Monitoring
The Delhi Traffic Police and Transport Department will deploy enforcement teams to ensure strict compliance. Automated surveillance systems and on-road checks will be used to detect non-compliant vehicles. Moreover, the public has been urged to report violations through official government portals.
Conclusion
With air pollution being a critical concern in Delhi, the enforcement of the vehicle ban from April 1 is a significant step towards improving environmental and public health conditions. While it may pose challenges for some vehicle owners, the government’s focus on scrappage incentives and EV adoption aims to provide long-term solutions for cleaner and more sustainable urban transport.
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