Delhi’s administration has paused its contentious campaign against old vehicles just 48 hours after it began, following widespread backlash, logistical hurdles, and technical failures.
The enforcement drive, which targeted petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles over 10 years by denying them fuel and impounding them at petrol stations, was effectively suspended on Thursday.
“Considering the difficulties faced by the citizens of Delhi, our government has written to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) requesting reconsideration of the decision to deny fuel to End-of-Life vehicles,” Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on social media platform X. “This decision is adversely affecting the daily lives and livelihoods of millions of families.”
The city’s transport department confirmed enforcement had been scaled back due to limited personnel and the inability to cover every fuel station. A department official, speaking anonymously, said teams had reduced activity since Wednesday, even before a formal suspension order was issued.
In just two days, 87 vehicles were impounded. Officials had initially estimated nearly 6 million outdated vehicles remained in use, but transport authorities later clarified that the actual number may be closer to 600,000, as many had already been scrapped, de-registered, or relocated with no-objection certificates.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Water Minister Parvesh Verma held a joint press conference acknowledging the public outcry. Sirsa emphasized that while Delhi is committed to reducing air pollution, the rollout exposed “system and policy inconsistencies,” especially since neighboring NCR states did not enforce similar restrictions.
“We are with the public of Delhi and will not let their vehicles get impounded and scrapped,” Sirsa said, blaming the previous Aam Aadmi Party government for what he called an ill-prepared implementation.
Chief Minister Gupta echoed these concerns, stating that while clean, sustainable transport is a priority, any policy must also account for the social and economic needs of citizens.
CAQM, which had issued the initial directions, did not respond to requests for comment.
The suspension leaves the future of the crackdown uncertain as Delhi officials await further guidance from the Commission and consider adjustments to enforcement measures.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)