In a major enforcement drive aimed at curbing pollution, Delhi Police on Tuesday impounded 16 vehicles as the city officially began its ban on fuel supply to overaged vehicles. The operation kicked off at 6 a.m., strictly prohibiting petrol refuelling for vehicles older than 15 years and diesel refuelling for those older than 10 years.
The action stems from a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that barred diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles beyond 15 years from plying on Delhi roads. This is further reinforced by a 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) directive which bans public parking of vehicles that exceed 15 years of age.
To implement the ban effectively, the Delhi government has installed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at nearly 350 petrol pumps throughout the city. These cameras are designed to instantly detect vehicles that breach the age limit criteria.
Petrol stations across Delhi are now making public announcements alerting motorists about the new regulation. Vehicles that do not comply are being flagged and immediately impounded.
The Transport Department has rolled out a detailed action plan, which includes collaboration with the Delhi Police, Traffic Police, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Multiple joint enforcement teams have been stationed across the capital, with a particular focus on South Delhi, where intensive checking is underway.
Early on Tuesday, PTI reporters observed Transport Enforcement and Traffic Police units at a petrol station in Chirag Dilli. Assistant Sub-Inspector Jagan Lal from Delhi Traffic Police confirmed that vehicle information is being cross-verified using a centralised database.
“While the ANPR cameras assist in automatic detection, our teams are also manually verifying registration details. The joint operation with local police and transport officials aims to ensure complete adherence to the rules, while also maintaining public order,” ASI Jagan Lal explained.
Petrol pump attendants have been instructed to remain vigilant. Hriday Ram, a staff member at the Dhingra petrol pump, said, “We’ve been clearly told not to dispense fuel to any vehicle that violates the age norms. If we spot one, we immediately alert the enforcement teams.”
The crackdown marks a significant step by the Delhi government to enforce pollution control measures and uphold vehicular regulations in line with court orders.
