New Delhi: Thousands of vehicle owners in Delhi are cautiously optimistic today as the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is set to hold a crucial meeting to discuss the contentious ban on older vehicles. There is a possibility that the immediate enforcement of fuel restrictions on these vehicles may be temporarily lifted or modified, offering a significant reprieve.
The high-stakes meeting comes in response to strong representations made by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who has highlighted numerous operational and infrastructural challenges in implementing the CAQM’s recent directive (Direction No. 89). This directive, which came into effect on July 1, prohibits petrol pumps from dispensing fuel to diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.
Minister Sirsa has pointed out critical flaws in the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, which is crucial for identifying ‘end-of-life’ vehicles (ELVs) at fuel stations. These issues include technological glitches, improperly positioned cameras, and a lack of seamless integration with vehicle databases from neighboring NCR states. He emphasized that enforcing such a ban without a robust and foolproof system creates widespread inconvenience and is “premature and potentially counterproductive.”
While the ban aims to curb vehicular pollution, a significant contributor to Delhi’s poor air quality, its sudden implementation has led to public outcry and logistical nightmares for vehicle owners. The Delhi government has even stated it will not allow the confiscation of vehicles owned by its residents.
The CAQM’s decision today will be closely watched, as it could signal a shift towards a more phased or technologically sound approach to phasing out older, more polluting vehicles. Any relaxation on the fuel ban would offer immediate relief to a large segment of the populace grappling with the sudden restrictions, while authorities work towards a more sustainable and equitable long-term solution for Delhi’s air pollution crisis.
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