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Seizure Of Old Cars In Delhi Suspended: End Of Life Vehicle Rules Updated Amid Chaos
The Delhi government has halted the seizure of old vehicles under the End of Life Vehicle (ELV) rule, which began on 1 July. This decision comes after the rule caused significant inconvenience to residents. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted flaws in the rule, stating it should not be enforced in Delhi until uniform regulations are implemented across the entire NCR.
Minister Sirsa has communicated these concerns to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), requesting a review. He stated, "We aim to reduce pollution in Delhi, but this rule became a burden for the public. We are working on a new system that will assess vehicles based on pollution levels rather than age."
Focus on Pollution Control
The Delhi government is developing a new system prioritising pollution control while considering residents' convenience. Sirsa emphasised, "Our goal is to ensure neither Delhi's air quality deteriorates nor people's vehicles are seized. Vehicles will be assessed based on their pollution levels, not just age."
Cabinet Minister Parvesh Verma criticised the implementation of the ELV rule without adequate preparation. He remarked, "Delhi's residents already face traffic and pollution issues. Implementing this rule without full preparation adds an extra burden." Verma also noted that cities like Gurugram and Noida have not enforced this rule yet.
Concerns Over Implementation
Verma mentioned upcoming discussions between the Delhi government and CAQM regarding this issue. He stated, "We want open discussions on this matter. Implementing it solely in Delhi is challenging until uniform rules are applied across NCR." Verma also pointed out technical issues with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
The Delhi High Court has intervened in this matter as well. The Delhi Petrol Dealers Association filed a petition against orders prohibiting fuel supply to old vehicles, arguing that petrol pump owners are not law enforcement agencies. The court has asked for responses from the Delhi government and CAQM by September.
Details of ELV Rule
According to CAQM's directive, from 1 July 2025, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years would be denied fuel in Delhi. The transport department and police were overseeing compliance with this rule. However, CNG vehicles were exempted from it.
If any petrol pump supplied fuel to these vehicles, they faced potential action. Minister Sirsa has urged CAQM to halt instructions preventing fuel supply to end-of-life vehicles in Delhi.
The court instructed that any action against petrol pump owners should be presented before it if taken. This development highlights ongoing debates over implementing vehicle regulations aimed at reducing pollution while balancing public convenience.
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