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In July 2025, the Delhi government made headlines by pausing its controversial end-of-life (EOL) vehicles policy, which initially mandated denying fuel to and impounding older vehicles to combat air pollution. Following significant public backlash and technical challenges, the government announced that EOL vehicles—petrol vehicles over 15 years and diesel vehicles over 10 years—will not be impounded for now. Instead, the focus has shifted to targeting only high-polluting vehicles, offering relief to vehicle owners while addressing environmental concerns. This article delves into the details of the policy, its evolution, public reactions, and what lies ahead for Delhi’s roads.
Background: The Original End-of-Life Vehicles Policy
Delhi, known for its persistent air quality challenges, has long sought measures to curb vehicular pollution, which accounts for over 50% of local emissions. The EOL policy, rooted in a 2018 Supreme Court ruling and a 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order, classified petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years as EOL. These vehicles were deemed significant contributors to pollution, emitting up to 4.5 times more particulate matter than newer BS6-compliant models.
In June 2025, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued Statutory Direction No. 89, effective July 1, 2025, mandating that EOL vehicles be denied fuel at Delhi’s 498 fuel stations equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras, integrated with the VAHAN database, identified approximately 62 lakh EOL vehicles in Delhi, including 41 lakh two-wheelers and 18 lakh four-wheelers. Non-compliant vehicles faced immediate impounding or scrapping, with enforcement supported by Delhi Transport, Traffic Police, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) teams stationed at fuel stations and 52 toll plazas.
The policy aimed to reduce Delhi’s air quality index (AQI), which often spikes during winter due to vehicular emissions, stubble burning, and other factors. Since December 2024, ANPR cameras screened 3.36 crore vehicles, identifying 4.9 lakh EOL vehicles and impounding 44,000 during a trial period. However, the strict enforcement sparked widespread discontent among vehicle owners, particularly those with well-maintained, low-emission vehicles.
Public Backlash and Policy Challenges
The EOL policy faced immediate resistance from Delhi residents, who argued that age-based restrictions unfairly penalized responsible vehicle owners. Social media platforms, particularly X, became a space for voicing frustration. For instance, one resident highlighted their 16-year-old Mercedes-Benz E280 V6, which passed pollution tests and outperformed newer vehicles but was labeled “vintage scrap” under the policy. Another owner lamented selling their low-mileage, eight-year-old diesel Range Rover at a loss due to the 10-year diesel rule, calling it a “penalty on responsible ownership” rather than a green initiative.
Critics also pointed out logistical and technological issues. The ANPR system, while innovative, suffered from glitches, including malfunctioning sensors and speakers, and failed to integrate with databases from neighboring NCR states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. This led to concerns about cross-border fuel procurement, potentially fostering illegal fuel markets in areas like Gurugram and Faridabad, where the policy was not yet enforced. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa noted that the system’s lack of robustness made immediate implementation “premature and potentially counterproductive.”
Additionally, the Delhi Petrol Dealers Association challenged the policy in the Delhi High Court, arguing that fuel station owners lacked the legal authority to enforce CAQM directives and faced penalties for non-compliance due to technical errors. The court issued notices to the Delhi government and CAQM, scheduling a hearing for September 2025 to address these concerns.
The Policy Reversal: No Impounding, Focus on Pollution
On July 3, 2025, just two days after the policy’s rollout, the Delhi government responded to public outcry and operational challenges by announcing a pause on impounding EOL vehicles. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa formally wrote to the CAQM, urging a hold on Direction No. 89 until the ANPR system is fully integrated across the NCR and technical issues are resolved. The government emphasized its commitment to air quality but stressed the need for a fair and practical approach.
The revised policy shifts the focus from age-based restrictions to pollution-based enforcement. Only vehicles failing pollution tests, regardless of age, will now face scrutiny. This change acknowledges that well-maintained older vehicles with valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCCs) can emit less pollution than poorly maintained newer ones. The decision has been hailed as a victory for public advocacy, with posts on X celebrating the power of collective pressure in influencing policy.
The Delhi government also issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on June 17, 2025, requiring fuel stations to log denied fuel transactions and display notices about the policy. However, with the impounding halt, these measures are under review to align with the new pollution-focused approach. The government is expected to meet with CAQM to discuss a phased, NCR-wide implementation to prevent loopholes like refueling in neighboring states.
Public and Expert Reactions
The policy tweak has elicited mixed responses. Many Delhi residents, particularly middle-class families, expressed relief on platforms like X, with users like @thehawkeyex and @mitrapredator calling it a “huge relief” for those unable to afford new vehicles. A vehicle owner interviewed by ANI supported the original intent to curb pollution but appreciated the pause, noting that it protects those who maintain their vehicles responsibly.
However, some environmental experts argue that the pause could delay progress on air quality. The CAQM reported that while stubble burning has decreased by 50% in recent years, EOL vehicles remain a significant pollution source. Critics of the reversal, including opposition parties, allege that the policy’s inconsistency reflects pressure from car manufacturers benefiting from forced vehicle replacements. They point to the high costs of new vehicles, including 45% GST and cess, as a burden on consumers.
Supporters of the revised policy, including Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma, advocate for pollution-based criteria over age-based bans. Verma questioned the logic of banning vehicles solely by age, stating, “Vehicles should be banned by looking at their pollution status.” This sentiment aligns with public feedback emphasizing maintenance and PUCC compliance over arbitrary age limits.
Guidelines for Vehicle Owners
For Delhi residents with EOL vehicles, the revised policy offers temporary relief but comes with responsibilities. The 2024 guidelines, issued by the Delhi Transport Department, remain relevant for handling EOL vehicles:
- First-Time Impoundment: If an EOL vehicle is found in public spaces or on roads, it can be released upon paying a penalty (Rs 10,000 for four-wheelers, Rs 5,000 for two-wheelers) and submitting an undertaking not to use or park the vehicle in public spaces in Delhi. Owners must either move the vehicle outside the NCR or park it in private, non-shared spaces.
- Second-Time Impoundment: Vehicles impounded a second time or diesel vehicles over 10 years will be scrapped, with no release option. Owners receive compensation based on rates set by the Union Steel Ministry.
- Scrapping Process: Impounded vehicles are sent to registered vehicle scrapping facilities (RVSFs) in neighboring states, as Delhi lacks its own facilities. Owners must submit applications for release within three weeks, or the vehicle will be scrapped.
- PUCC Compliance: Owners are encouraged to maintain valid PUCCs to demonstrate low emissions, which may exempt well-maintained vehicles from future enforcement under the pollution-focused policy.
The government advises owners to avoid driving EOL vehicles in Delhi until the policy is finalized and to stay updated via official channels like the Delhi Transport Department’s website.
Environmental Impact and Future Outlook
The pause on impounding reflects a balance between environmental goals and public sentiment. Delhi’s air quality remains a critical issue, with vehicles contributing significantly to pollution. The government’s Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025 aims to phase out high-polluting vehicles while promoting cleaner alternatives like electric vehicles (EVs) and BS6-compliant models. Since December 2024, 29 lakh vehicles have renewed their PUCCs, indicating increased compliance.
Looking ahead, the Delhi government plans to address ANPR system flaws and integrate it across the NCR by November 2025, with full implementation by April 2026. This phased approach aims to prevent cross-border loopholes and ensure equitable enforcement. The Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025, notified on January 6, 2025, by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, will guide the safe disposal of EOL vehicles, emphasizing recycling and environmental safety.
Experts suggest that incentives for scrapping, such as tax rebates or EV subsidies, could encourage voluntary compliance. Public awareness campaigns and clearer communication about pollution-based criteria will also be crucial to avoid future backlash.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. The information reflects the Delhi government’s policy updates as of July 4, 2025, based on publicly available sources. Vehicle owners should consult official government notifications or the Delhi Transport Department for the latest guidelines. Policies may change, and compliance with local regulations is the responsibility of vehicle owners. The author is not liable for any decisions made based on this content.
