Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has expressed reservations over the recent directive by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to stop the supply of fuel to end-of-life vehicles in the national capital. The decision, aimed at reducing vehicular emissions and improving air quality, has triggered concern within the state government regarding its feasibility and public impact.
VIDEO | On fuel ban on end-of-life vehicles, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) says, “When the order to ban fuel to end-of-life vehicles was issued by CAQM, we were worried since then. The previous governments never did anything to control pollution in Delhi. Hence, NGT had to… pic.twitter.com/cMONnKUo9T
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Speaking on the matter, CM Gupta said:
“When the order to ban fuel to end-of-life vehicles was issued by CAQM, we were worried since then. However, now the situation has changed. Our environment minister wrote a letter to CAQM and told them such a provision cannot be implemented in Delhi.”
According to CM Gupta, the provision, though intended to curb pollution, lacks ground-level preparedness and could severely affect citizens, particularly those from economically weaker sections who still rely on older vehicles for their livelihood. She emphasized the need for a more inclusive and phased strategy, rather than abrupt enforcement.
The Delhi government has asked CAQM to reconsider the implementation model, suggesting that instead of imposing a blanket ban, authorities should focus on providing alternatives, such as incentivized scrapping policies, subsidies for electric vehicles, and public awareness campaigns.
Currently, end-of-life vehicles include petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years, which are officially considered unfit to run on roads under environmental safety norms. While the registration of such vehicles stands cancelled by transport authorities, many continue to operate informally across the capital, contributing to Delhi’s worsening air quality index, especially in winter months.
CM Has Also Urged Central Agencies
The Delhi CM also urged central agencies and local bodies to collaborate better before taking policy actions that directly impact the daily life of citizens. A formal response from CAQM to the state government’s concerns is awaited, even as discussions continue on how to balance environmental priorities with socio-economic realities.
Meanwhile, environmental activists argue that firm and immediate action is required if Delhi wants to avoid a repeat of past years when pollution levels reached hazardous levels, prompting school closures and emergency health advisories.
