Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 1: In a major step to curb vehicular pollution, Delhi’s Forest and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Saturday that from April 1, vehicles older than 15 years will no longer be allowed to purchase fuel in the city. A dedicated team has also been formed to identify and restrict the movement of aging, polluting vehicles.
Speaking after a high-level meeting, Sirsa stated that special gadgets are being installed at petrol pumps to detect and prevent the sale of fuel to outdated vehicles. “So far, 80 percent of petrol pumps in Delhi have been equipped with these devices, and we aim for full coverage by March 31,” he said. “From April 1, the ban will be strictly enforced.”
The Delhi government, in coordination with the Petroleum Ministry, is set to issue an official advisory to all fuel stations, ensuring compliance with the new directive. Additionally, authorities will intensify efforts to identify and prevent overage vehicles from operating in the city, with a special focus on diesel vehicles entering from other states.
Additional Measures to Combat Pollution
Apart from the vehicle restrictions, the government has introduced mandatory anti-smog guns for high-rise buildings and hotels to help curb dust pollution. Officials also discussed cloud seeding as a possible intervention during peak smog months, keeping it as an option for future use.
These aggressive measures align with the BJP-led Delhi government’s pledge to combat air pollution, an issue that has long plagued the capital. Over the years, Delhi’s severe air quality crisis has been a major political battleground, with parties blaming each other for inaction.
In the recent Assembly elections, the BJP criticized the previous AAP administration for failing to address pollution concerns, particularly regarding stubble burning in Punjab and dust from poorly maintained roads. With the new government now in charge, the focus has shifted to delivering on pollution control promises and implementing decisive action.