In a major policy shift to tackle air pollution, the Delhi government has announced that vehicles older than 15 years will no longer be allowed to refuel at petrol stations across the national capital from April 1, 2025. This move was revealed by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa following a high-level meeting on pollution control measures.

The decision is part of a larger effort to curb vehicular emissions, a major contributor to Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. The meeting also discussed additional pollution control measures, including mandatory anti-smog guns for commercial buildings and phasing out of CNG public buses in favor of electric alternatives.

Fuel Ban for 15-Year-Old Vehicles

Starting April 1, 2025, all petrol and diesel vehicles older than 15 years will be denied fuel at petrol pumps in Delhi. To enforce the rule, the government will install automated scanners at fuel stations, which will identify older vehicles and prevent them from refueling.

Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that the government has already started informing the Union Ministry of Petroleum about this regulation to ensure smooth implementation. The move is expected to drastically cut down vehicular emissions, a major source of Delhi’s pollution crisis.

Phasing Out CNG Buses: Push for Electric Transport

Sirsa further revealed that 90% of Delhi’s public CNG buses will be phased out by December 2025. These will be replaced with electric buses as part of the government’s plan to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable public transport.

This move aligns with Delhi’s goal to electrify public transportation and reduce its dependence on fossil fuel-based vehicles, which significantly contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Mandatory Anti-Smog Guns for Buildings

As part of the pollution control strategy, the Delhi government has also mandated that high-rise buildings, hotels, and commercial complexes must install anti-smog guns. These devices help control dust particles and reduce air pollution levels in densely populated urban areas.

Authorities will conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance, and violators could face penalties under Delhi’s air pollution control laws.

Cloud Seeding for Artificial Rain

Another major announcement from the meeting was the government’s decision to seek approvals for cloud seeding, a technique used to induce artificial rain. Cloud seeding has been proposed as a last-resort measure to help reduce pollution levels when air quality reaches severe levels.

Sirsa emphasized that the government is working towards getting all necessary permissions to deploy this technology when required.

Impact of the New Measures

The ban on fuel supply to older vehicles, the electrification of public transport, and strict pollution control measures are expected to have a significant impact on Delhi’s air quality. With winter pollution worsening each year, authorities are taking aggressive steps to ensure long-term improvements in air quality.

However, the policy also poses challenges:

• Owners of older vehicles will have to scrap or replace them, leading to financial burdens for many.
• Enforcement of the fuel ban will require advanced tracking systems and coordination with petrol pump operators.
• The transition to electric buses will require substantial infrastructure investment, including charging stations and maintenance facilities.

Conclusion

With air pollution being a major crisis in Delhi, the government’s bold decisions reflect its commitment to cleaner air and sustainable transportation. The ban on fuel supply to older vehicles, the push for electric buses, and the requirement for anti-smog guns are steps towards making Delhi a greener and healthier city. While the implementation of these policies may pose challenges, the long-term benefits for air quality and public health are undeniable.

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