Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Used Cars In Delhi Now Available For Throwaway Prices: Mercedes-Benz Available For Just Rs 2 Lakh
Posters at Delhi fuel stations now declare, "Fuel will not be dispensed to 'end of life' vehicles." This is part of the Delhi government's strategy to combat air pollution by banning fuel for older vehicles. Petrol vehicles over 15 years and diesel ones over 10 years are affected.
As a result of this, used cars in Delhi are now available for throw-away prices. To make the full use of this opportunity, used car dealers across the country are flocking in to buy these 'end of life' used cars at cheap rates and resell them with sizeable profit in other states.
While this may seem like a boon for other state residents, Delhites are bearing the burden of selling their cars at throwaway prices.
Varun Vij had to sell his Mercedes-Benz ML350 due to this regulation. Purchased for Rs 84 lakh in 2015, he sold it for just Rs 2.5 lakh as no alternative was available under the new rule. Despite being well-maintained with only routine servicing needed, Vij couldn't renew its registration.
Vij has since invested in a Rs 62 lakh electric vehicle to avoid future restrictions. He shared receiving calls from other vehicle owners facing similar dilemmas due to this policy aimed at reducing pollution but causing financial strain on citizens.
Public Concerns
Nischal Singhania, a petrol dealer in Delhi, suggests a trial run before full implementation. "How long would the enforcement team stay? 30 days, 60 days, 90 days?" he questions. Commuter Mohit echoes this sentiment, proposing a trial period to raise awareness among those unaware or uneducated about the policy.
At a Green Park fuel station in Delhi, staff expressed confusion about enforcing the rule without proper training. A two-wheeler rider pointed out that some well-maintained old vehicles might not harm the environment and suggested checks to avoid unnecessary financial burdens on owners.
Affected individuals like Ritesh Gandotra shared their frustrations online too; his well-maintained Range Rover must be sold cheaply outside NCR due to diesel restrictions, despite having significant life left, according to him.
Political Reactions
Saket Gokhale from Trinamool Congress criticised the policy on X (formerly Twitter), calling it "ridiculous" and urging its withdrawal. He plans to raise this issue in Parliament's Monsoon Session if not addressed promptly by authorities.
Gokhale argues that vehicle registration renewal after fifteen years requires passing fitness and pollution tests under current laws. He believes imposing age-based bans is unfair when larger polluters like the US and China don't have such rules.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued a directive targeting all types of end-of-life vehicles in the NCR. This includes goods carriers, commercial vehicles, vintage cars, and two-wheelers. The ban impacts around 62 lakh vehicles in Delhi alone. In neighbouring states, Haryana has 27.5 lakh, Uttar Pradesh 12.69 lakh, and Rajasthan 6.2 lakh overaged vehicles.
Implementation Strategy
The Transport Department has devised a plan involving the Delhi Police, Traffic Police, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). They will monitor fuel stations with high traffic from older vehicles. At each of the 350 identified petrol pumps, a traffic police officer will ensure compliance with the new rule.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras installed at 498 fuel stations will identify old vehicles. These cameras are linked to the VAHAN database to verify number plates and alert operators about non-compliant vehicles. This information will also be shared with enforcement agencies for impounding and scrapping purposes.
Criticism from Other Politicians
Congress leader Surendra Rajput labelled this move as another example of BJP's "jumlebaazi." He questioned why older aeroplanes remain operational while older cars face bans in India-a country where many cannot afford new vehicles easily.
DriveSpark Thinks
This policy has sparked widespread debate among citizens who feel penalised despite responsible ownership practices, amidst rising costs associated with purchasing newer models within similar segments today. Meanwhile, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reports that vehicles contribute over half of Delhi's local emissions.
Continue with Google