Delhi Government Suspends Fuel Ban on End-of-Life Vehicles Amid Technical Issues

Fuel Ban on EOL Vehicles Halted

The Delhi government has decided to pause the enforcement of a directive that prohibits fuel supply to End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles in the capital.

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the Environment Minister of Delhi, communicated with the Commission for Air Quality Management, requesting a hold on the fuel ban for EOL vehicles.

Sirsa explained, "We have notified them that the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system currently in place is not reliable. There are numerous issues, including technical failures, non-functional sensors, and faulty speakers. Additionally, it has not yet been integrated with the NCR data and struggles to recognize HSRP plates. Furthermore, such regulations have not been enforced in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, or other parts of NCR. "

Political Reactions

Atishi, the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly and former Chief Minister, criticized the ruling party, questioning whether the BJP is governing Delhi or merely playing politics. She remarked, "One day they make a decision, the next day they claim it was wrong. If it was a mistake, why not retract it? This letter-writing game is pointless. The BJP has the power to reverse this decision immediately, yet they haven't, likely due to their ties with car manufacturers and dealers. We demand to know how much funding the BJP has received from these entities over the past five years. The decision to remove vehicles after ten years is utterly irrational and unfounded."

Public Opinion

A vehicle owner expressed support for the government's initiatives, stating, "The measures being implemented in Delhi are commendable. Vehicle emissions contribute significantly to pollution, and it's essential for citizens to take responsibility for older vehicles. Similar actions should be adopted in all major cities."