Is the ban on old diesel and petrol vehicles justified in Delhi NCR? .

In April 2015, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) implemented a ban on 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region. This initiative aimed to reduce vehicular pollution and encourage the use of modern vehicles.

The petitioner challenging the ban argued that it should apply prospectively, affecting only vehicles purchased after the NGT order. The petitioner, who bought an Audi diesel car in December 2014, claimed that the ban would prevent them from legally operating the vehicle in Delhi-NCR starting December 2024.

Concerns were raised that the ban disproportionately impacts lower and middle-income groups, who may struggle to replace older vehicles. The petitioner emphasized that well-maintained older vehicles should undergo condition assessments rather than be judged solely by age.

Should old cars be banned from Delhi roads?

Debate continues regarding the merits of banning older vehicles in Delhi, a city grappling with severe air pollution, particularly during winter. Critics argue that a blanket ban is not the solution, as vehicle emissions are not the sole contributors to air quality issues.

While the vehicle scrappage policy encourages replacing old vehicles through incentives, many believe that well-maintained cars should be allowed to remain on the road after passing inspections.

Currently, vehicle owners exceeding the age limit face limited options, primarily scrapping their vehicles or selling them to other states.