In a decisive move aimed at curbing the escalating pollution levels in Delhi, the newly-formed BJP government has issued a directive prohibiting vehicles older than 15 years from receiving petrol at fuel stations. The announcement was made on Saturday by the newly-appointed Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, just days after assuming office. He emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce air pollution in the capital and announced that a dedicated team will be set up to identify such vehicles and enforce the new rule.
“We are installing gadgets at petrol pumps that will automatically identify vehicles older than 15 years, and fuel will not be provided to these vehicles,” Sirsa said after a meeting with officials to discuss the latest measures to tackle Delhi’s severe air pollution problem.
Measures to Control Pollution
The directive comes as part of a larger set of policies aimed at improving air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Under an existing policy, vehicles running on diesel that are older than 10 years, and those running on petrol older than 15 years, have already been banned from the roads. An order issued in 2021 further stipulated that such vehicles would be impounded and scrapped if found operating after January 1, 2022. However, the implementation of this rule has been inconsistent, and the government’s latest step is seen as a more aggressive enforcement mechanism.
Minister Sirsa outlined that the government’s initial focus would be on heavy vehicles entering Delhi. Dedicated teams will be assigned to monitor and ensure compliance with these pollution control regulations, which have already been in place for several years but are now being ramped up. Sirsa acknowledged that over 50 percent of Delhi’s pollution is caused by local factors, including older vehicles, and tackling this issue would require strict adherence to environmental laws within the city.
Anti-Smog Guns and Other Initiatives
In addition to restricting the fuel supply to older vehicles, the government has outlined plans for other initiatives to combat pollution. Sirsa mentioned that large commercial buildings, hotels, and high-rise structures in Delhi would soon be required to install anti-smog guns—devices designed to reduce airborne pollutants by spraying fine mist into the air.
Another crucial initiative is the annual plantation drive that the government intends to launch, with university students encouraged to participate in efforts to green the city. These drives aim to create new forests in vacant plots of land around the city, contributing to both aesthetic improvements and reductions in air pollution levels. Sirsa also hinted at the possibility of exploring cloud seeding techniques, a weather modification process aimed at reducing pollution by stimulating rainfall.
The Role of Other States in Delhi’s Pollution Crisis
One of the key issues in the ongoing debate around Delhi’s pollution is the contribution of neighboring states, particularly Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, where stubble burning has been cited as a significant source of the capital’s pollution during the winter months. Previous administrations, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, have repeatedly pointed to the problem of stubble burning as a critical external factor in Delhi’s air quality issues.
Minister Sirsa, however, emphasized that the new BJP government’s approach would focus on addressing the pollution within Delhi first, asserting that “the one who is causing pollution will also provide the solution.” By improving the air quality within the city, he argued, Delhi would be better positioned to approach neighboring states to take necessary actions on their part to reduce the impact of cross-border pollution.
“Factors within Delhi contribute to over 50 percent of the capital’s pollution,” Sirsa stated, pointing to local sources such as vehicular emissions, construction dust, and industrial pollution. With this in mind, the government’s new measures are seen as a necessary first step in improving the overall air quality of the city.
Addressing the Air Quality Crisis
Delhi continues to struggle with some of the highest pollution levels globally. Despite slight improvements in recent years, the city remains a frequent feature on lists of the world’s most polluted cities. In 2024, Delhi recorded 157 days where the air quality index (AQI) was categorized as “poor” or worse. This persistent pollution problem poses serious health risks to the city’s population, contributing to a range of respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases.
The BJP government’s new approach aims to reduce the number of older vehicles in Delhi, which are a significant contributor to both air and noise pollution. By halting fuel supply to these vehicles, the government hopes to encourage the scrapping of older, more polluting cars and trucks and incentivize the adoption of cleaner, more environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Public Reactions and Potential Challenges
The implementation of such measures is likely to face resistance from vehicle owners who may be financially burdened by the need to replace or scrap their older vehicles. However, the government has suggested that in the long run, these actions will not only contribute to better air quality but also help mitigate the economic costs of pollution-related health problems.
While the government’s crackdown on older vehicles is one piece of a larger puzzle, it is clear that more comprehensive solutions will be needed to tackle Delhi’s pollution crisis in a sustainable manner. Measures such as improved public transportation, stricter industrial regulations, and better management of construction activities will also be essential in bringing long-term relief to the residents of Delhi.
