The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has confirmed that its earlier order, Direction 89, will be amended to implement the ban on fuel supply to End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles from November 1. This move aligns the rollout of the fuel ban across Delhi and five key NCR districts, Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Sonipat, in a single phase.
A CAQM official stated, “Direction 89 will be amended. The drive against End-of-Life vehicles in Delhi will now come into force from November 1, along with 5 NCR districts.”
The decision follows days after the Delhi government initially lifted its earlier ban on diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. However, a new order issued on Monday confirmed that such vehicles will not be able to refuel at petrol pumps from November 1.
The restriction will be simultaneously enforced in Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Sonipat, following a meeting of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held on Tuesday. The Delhi government had earlier written to the commission seeking a review of the fuel ban, originally scheduled for July 1, after facing criticism from the public and officials alike.
On July 1, Delhi had launched a high-profile campaign targeting End of Life (EOL) vehicles, barring fuel stations from dispensing petrol or diesel to older vehicles as part of its broader anti-pollution efforts. Automated cameras at fuel pumps and strict traffic police enforcement were planned to ensure compliance.
But facing widespread backlash, the Delhi government rolled back the ban, with Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa promising to develop a more practical solution for managing aging vehicles.
