Starting April 1, 2025, vehicle owners in Delhi with cars older than 15 years will face a significant change—no more refueling. The newly elected BJP-led Delhi government has rolled out a tough pollution-control measure that aims to take old, polluting vehicles off the roads to improve air quality in the capital.
Here are five key things every vehicle owner should know:
1. No Fuel for 15-Year-Old Vehicles
Petrol pumps across Delhi will stop refueling vehicles older than 15 years, as announced by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Fuel stations will be equipped with automatic detection technology to identify such vehicles and block service. This applies to both private and commercial vehicles.
2. Special Teams to Enforce Compliance
The Delhi government will form special enforcement squads to identify and flag vehicles that violate the age limit. Special focus will be placed on heavy commercial vehicles, which contribute significantly to the city’s air pollution and often enter from neighboring states.
3. Existing Vehicle Scrapping Rules Still Apply
This measure complements existing rules: diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are already banned from operating in Delhi. According to a 2021 National Green Tribunal order, these vehicles must be scrapped if found on the road.
4. Pollution Control for Buildings and Businesses
Pollution isn’t limited to vehicles. The government is mandating anti-smog guns for high-rise buildings, hotels, and commercial complexes. Polluting industries and businesses will also need to install appropriate anti-pollution technology, making this a city-wide effort.
5. More Green Initiatives Coming
Beyond regulation, the government is turning toward proactive environmental strategies. These include large-scale tree plantation drives, creation of mini urban forests, student involvement, and even cloud seeding to trigger artificial rain and settle pollutants during critical periods.
With Delhi recording 157 days of poor or worse air quality last year, this crackdown is seen as a necessary, urgent move toward cleaner air and a healthier environment.
