New Delhi: In a major step to curb air pollution, the Delhi government has announced that it will stop providing petrol and diesel to vehicles older than 15 years at fuel stations across the city, effective from April 1. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa made the announcement on Saturday after a meeting with key officials to discuss measures for combating the city’s severe air pollution.
Sirsa explained that the government is taking stringent actions to tackle vehicular emissions, which are a major contributor to the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. “We are installing gadgets at petrol stations that will identify vehicles older than 15 years, and no fuel will be provided to them,” he stated after the meeting.
The decision will also be communicated to the Union Ministry of Petroleum, as the Delhi government aims to enforce the restrictions in cooperation with the central authorities. Sirsa highlighted that the move is part of a broader plan to reduce pollution caused by older, more polluting vehicles that fail to meet current emission standards.
In addition to limiting fuel access to older vehicles, the Delhi government has mandated that all high-rise buildings, hotels, and commercial complexes in the city install anti-smog guns to help combat the rising pollution levels. These devices are designed to reduce particulate matter in the air by spraying water to trap dust and pollutants.
The Delhi government is also pushing for a transition to electric public transport. Sirsa revealed that nearly 90 percent of the public CNG buses in the city will be phased out by December 2025, with electric buses replacing them as part of the government’s drive towards a cleaner and more sustainable transport system.
These measures are part of Delhi’s broader strategy to address air pollution, a major concern for residents, especially during the winter months when pollution levels often reach hazardous levels. Sirsa emphasized that the government remains committed to improving air quality and creating a healthier environment for Delhi’s citizens.