Beginning November 1, more than 2 lakh vehicles in Noida and Ghaziabad will be refused fuel at gas stations if they surpass age restrictions imposed to address increasing air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Vehicles powered by diesel that are over 10 years old and petrol vehicles exceeding 15 years will be prohibited from refuelling, according to new enforcement regulations set by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
To enforce this ban, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be placed at fuel stations throughout the area. These devices will quickly scan license plates and compare vehicle information with the transport department’s database to assess eligibility. Vehicles that are not compliant will be automatically refused fuel.
Data from the Gautam Buddha Nagar Transport Department indicates that roughly 2.08 lakh vehicles in the district are classified as restricted. Vehicle owners are receiving notifications informing them to either secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to relocate their vehicles outside the NCR or return them for de-registration.
Officials have cautioned that noncompliance may lead to fines or the confiscation of vehicles. Enforcement teams are expected to encounter operational challenges, particularly in monitoring offenders and managing the large number of older vehicles.
Compounding the issue, authorities recognised that Noida presently lacks sufficient infrastructure for dismantling or disposing of old vehicles, prompting concerns about uncontrolled disposal.
This action follows similar measures taken in Delhi-NCR, as officials advocate for improved air quality and stronger compliance with environmental laws. Residents with older vehicles are encouraged to take swift action to prevent complications and legal repercussions when the regulation is implemented.
