Delhi Government Halts Fuel Ban for Older Vehicles
- July 3, 2025
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The Delhi government has decided to temporarily halt the enforcement of a fuel ban on older vehicles, following a request from Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. The ban, outlined in Direction No. 89 by the Commission for Air Quality Management, aimed to prevent fuel stations from supplying fuel to End-of-Life vehicles. Sirsa advocated for this suspension, arguing that it is premature to enforce such a measure before the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system is fully operational across the National Capital Region (NCR). He emphasized that implementing the ban without the necessary infrastructure in place would be unfair to vehicle owners who rely on these older vehicles for their daily commutes and livelihoods. The ANPR system is designed to automatically identify vehicles and enforce regulations more effectively, but its current incomplete implementation poses challenges for fair enforcement. By pausing the ban, the government aims to ensure a smoother transition once the ANPR system is fully functional, thereby balancing environmental concerns with practical considerations for citizens. This decision reflects ongoing efforts to address air quality issues in Delhi while considering the socio-economic impact on residents. The temporary suspension provides an opportunity for authorities to refine their approach and ensure that future regulations are both effective and equitable.