Delhi Minister Sirsa Announces Fuel Ban for Vehicles Over 15 Years Old Starting April 1
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Synopsis
Delhi's Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, has announced a ban on fuel sales to vehicles older than 15 years starting April 1, aiming to reduce pollution. A team has been formed to identify these vehicles, and special gadgets will be installed at petrol pumps for compliance.
Key Takeaways
- Fuel sales banned for vehicles over 15 years old.
- Special devices to identify older vehicles.
- Focus on diesel vehicles from other states.
- Mandatory anti-smog guns for high-rises.
- Cloud seeding discussed as a potential measure.
New Delhi, March 1 (NationPress) - The Delhi Forest and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has declared a prohibition on the sale of fuel to vehicles exceeding 15 years of age, effective from April 1. A dedicated team has been established to locate and curb the operation of older, polluting vehicles within the city.
During a press briefing following a meeting, Sirsa stated, “Special devices are being installed at petrol stations to identify vehicles that are older than 15 years, ensuring they do not receive fuel.” These devices have already been set up at approximately 80% of petrol stations in Delhi, with plans to cover all stations by March 31.
“Starting April 1, the restriction on fuel sales to vehicles aged 15 years and older will be strictly enforced,” he emphasized, noting that the Delhi government is collaborating with the petroleum ministry to notify all petrol station operators about the new prohibition.
Additionally, the government has created a specialized team aimed at identifying vehicles over 15 years old and coordinating efforts to block their entry into the city.
There will be particular attention on diesel vehicles entering Delhi from neighboring states.
Other resolutions made during the meeting include a requirement for owners of high-rise buildings and hotels to implement anti-smog guns.
Officials also discussed the prospect of cloud seeding as a potential strategy for dealing with severe smog conditions in the future.
This array of initiatives to prepare for poor air quality days during autumn is part of the BJP-led Delhi government’s commitment to combating toxic air pollution in the capital.
Delhi's persistent air pollution crisis has become a contentious issue in political debates, with rival parties blaming one another rather than working together on effective solutions.
In the lead-up to the recently concluded Assembly elections, the BJP criticized the previous AAP administration for not addressing the pollution issue adequately, particularly focusing on stubble burning in Punjab, which is governed by AAP, and dust from inadequately maintained city roads.
