Latest news with #AirPollutionMitigationPlan2025
Mint
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Delhi government's Air Pollution Mitigation plan could fall short on several parameters: Environmental expert
The ambitious Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025 launched last month by the BJP-led Delhi government in one of the world's most polluted cities may fall short on several parameters despite some redeeming features, says a leading environmental activist. Reflecting on the putting on 'hold' the fuel ban on end-of-life vehicles amid public pressure, which came into effect this week, Shambhavi Shukla of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) told this reporter: 'In its decades-long campaign on the right to clean air, CSE has never recommended the phase-out of personal vehicles based on age. Instead, we have recommended the improvement of fuel and emission standards for vehicles – from BS-0 in the mid-1990s to BS-6 introduction in 2020.' Of the multi-pollutants that have turned the national capital into a living hell, vehicular pollution is right at the top. The Delhi government said that only BS-VI vehicles, CNG vehicles, and electric vehicles will be allowed entry into the Union territory after November 1, 2025. This feature will not apply to vehicles already registered in Delhi, but would apply to commercial vehicles—large, medium, and heavy goods vehicles. According to Shukla, 'Unless there is a unified transport system, a kind of a multi-modal arrangement, restricting it to just Delhi will not work. Delhi-Gurugram-Faridabad-Noida requires a multi-modal integrated transport system.' Such an arrangement is lacking in the anti-pollution plan, she said. In Shukla's estimate, the project could do with more technological assistance. The plan misses critical technological interventions such as remote sensing-based monitoring of emissions to identify gross polluters in real-time, which will help in the strong enforcement of the air pollution mitigation plan. Pilot studies of remote sensing have shown promising results, which will completely transform how on-road emission management is done.' Among the other key steps introduced by the Rekha Gupta government is the introduction of more electric vehicles on the capital's roads. "By 2027, as many as 2,000 electric buses will ply the streets, and 18,000 public charging stations will be set up," the chief minister said, adding that 2,299 e-autos will be deployed by Delhi Metro. Shukla believes that better air quality monitoring, including the use of Chemical Transport Models (CTMs) for policy guidance, and the development of a public information system with health advisories, should be considered mandatory. The new plan does not include such sharing of public information, and without such guidance, a titanic battle against such a deadly environmental scourge will always face hurdles. On the vexed issue of the air quality index (AQI) dipping due to increased stubble burning in the neighbouring states, Shukla said that more needs to be done. "Crop burning is a seasonal phenomenon. But more coordinated efforts are required for other sources of pollution, which are present throughout the year. Transboundary movement of pollution is a key issue, and this must be taken care of by not just focussing only on city-centric solutions,' she said. Air pollution in Delhi continues to be an unresolved problem. In winter months, the AQI levels often hit hazardous levels due to increased stubble burning in neighbouring states. The Delhi government's other innovative moves include the installation of mist sprayers on electric poles across 13 pollution hotspots, and the introduction of anti-smog guns on commercial buildings of over 3,000 sq. m. On July 5, the Delhi government announced its decision to install water sprinklers on poles along the busy Rani Jhansi Road, which connects central and north Delhi. Officials said that the entire project is expected to take about two to three months to complete. The Delhi chief minister also said that the national capital would witness its first artificial rain "very soon' with the help of cloud seeding techniques. For cloud seeding and artificial rain, an MoU has been signed with IIT Kanpur as a pilot project. Shukla, however, believes that these are temporary solutions and it would only help if pollution were fixed at the source itself. On the question of artificial rains, the CSE expert questioned the sanctity of the move ``because it requires exact clouds to be present for the rain to happen.' Since taking office in February 2025, the Delhi government has implemented a series of ambitious measures, from a 25-point pollution control plan and a ban on older vehicles to mandatory anti-smog guns on buildings, cloud seeding trials, and a widespread dust control initiative.
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- India Gazette
"Decision is good for pollution control," say Delhi residents on end-of-life vehicles policy
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): Delhi vehicle owners have supported the policy restricting fuel supply to end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), calling it a positive step towards pollution control. The development comes as the Delhi government has written to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), seeking a hold on the directive banning fuel sale to ELVs in the national capital. Speaking to ANI, a vehicle owner said, 'I bought a Scotty in 2017. The decision (not to give fuel to end-of-life vehicles) was wrong for those who cannot afford to buy a new vehicle. When I see a vehicle emitting pollution, I tell them to get their pollution certificate made, because we have to suffer because of them. So this decision of the government is good.' Another vehicle owner told ANI, 'The steps the government is taking for Delhi are good. Pollution caused by vehicles is high, so the steps being taken are good. If the vehicle is old, then it is the responsibility of the citizens to come forward. Similar steps should be taken in all metro cities...' Following the reactions, the Delhi NCT government formally approached the Commission, urging it to pause the enforcement. In a letter to the Commission, Delhi Minister for Environment, Forests, and Wildlife, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, wrote that soon after the implementation of the direction, which came into effect on July 1, 2025, it was revealed that 'certain issues' needed to be addressed before they could be fully implemented. Under the Delhi government's policy, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years are now denied refuelling at fuel stations in the city. 'The Government of Delhi is fully aligned with the Commission's objective to phase out older, polluting vehicles and has implemented a comprehensive Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025 to this end,' the Minister wrote in his letter. 'The GNCTD has been complying with the directions of Hon'ble NGT and Hon'ble Supreme Court regarding implementing a ban on EOL vehicles, deregistering them and ensuring that they do not ply on Delhi roads,' the letter read. Many end-of-life vehicles have been denied fuel at fuel stations after being identified by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). The Minister said because of 'several critical operational and infrastructural challenges', it will not be feasible to implement it at this juncture. He argued that immediate implementation may be 'premature and potentially counterproductive.' 'A stage-wise implementation that begins only in Delhi will not serve its intended purpose. It is highly likely to lead to vehicle owners procuring fuel from adjacent districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, thereby circumventing the ban and potentially fostering an illegal cross-border market for fuel, which would further exacerbate the problem,' the Minister's letter read. 'ANPR system is not implemented in the neighbouring states, which will again be an issue in the effective integration of the system with the system of neighbouring states, as and when the same is implemented. So far as our knowledge is concerned, neighbouring districts have not yet started installation of ANPR cameras in the fuel stations,' the letter added. Meanwhile, the opposition lashed out at the BJP-led administration over the decision. Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition and AAP leader Atishi criticised the inconsistency in the policy rollout. 'Is the BJP running a government in Delhi or Phulera's panchayat? One day they make a decision, the next day they say the decision is not right. On the third day, they write letters,' she said. She added, 'If the decision is not right, why did you take it? And why aren't you taking it back? Why are you playing this letter game? The BJP has a four-engine government in Delhi; if they had wanted to, they could have immediately withdrawn the decision, but they haven't done so yet because the BJP is reportedly in cahoots with car manufacturers, car scrappers, and car dealers. We asked the BJP a question that remains unanswered: How much did the BJP receive in donations from car manufacturers and sellers over the last five years? Removing vehicles after 10 years is a completely absurd, illogical, and baseless decision.' (ANI)
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Delhi end-of-life vehicles policy gets big local backing, residents say decision good for pollution control
Delhi vehicle owners have supported the policy restricting fuel supply to end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), calling it a positive step towards pollution control. The development comes as the Delhi government has written to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), seeking a hold on the directive banning fuel sale to ELVs in the national capital. Speaking to ANI, a vehicle owner said, "I bought a Scotty in 2017. The decision (not to give fuel to end-of-life vehicles) was wrong for those who cannot afford to buy a new vehicle. When I see a vehicle emitting pollution, I tell them to get their pollution certificate made, because we have to suffer because of them. So this decision of the government is good." Another vehicle owner told ANI, "The steps the government is taking for Delhi are good. Pollution caused by vehicles is high, so the steps being taken are good. If the vehicle is old, then it is the responsibility of the citizens to come forward. Similar steps should be taken in all metro cities..." Following the reactions, the Delhi NCT government formally approached the Commission, urging it to pause the enforcement. In a letter to the Commission, Delhi Minister for Environment, Forests, and Wildlife, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, wrote that soon after the implementation of the direction, which came into effect on July 1, 2025, it was revealed that "certain issues" needed to be addressed before they could be fully implemented. Live Events Under the Delhi government's policy, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years are now denied refuelling at fuel stations in the city. "The Government of Delhi is fully aligned with the Commission's objective to phase out older, polluting vehicles and has implemented a comprehensive Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025 to this end," the Minister wrote in his letter. "The GNCTD has been complying with the directions of Hon'ble NGT and Hon'ble Supreme Court regarding implementing a ban on EOL vehicles, deregistering them and ensuring that they do not ply on Delhi roads," the letter read. Many end-of-life vehicles have been denied fuel at fuel stations after being identified by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). The Minister said because of "several critical operational and infrastructural challenges", it will not be feasible to implement it at this juncture. He argued that immediate implementation may be "premature and potentially counterproductive." "A stage-wise implementation that begins only in Delhi will not serve its intended purpose. It is highly likely to lead to vehicle owners procuring fuel from adjacent districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, thereby circumventing the ban and potentially fostering an illegal cross-border market for fuel, which would further exacerbate the problem," the Minister's letter read. "ANPR system is not implemented in the neighbouring states, which will again be an issue in the effective integration of the system with the system of neighbouring states, as and when the same is implemented. So far as our knowledge is concerned, neighbouring districts have not yet started installation of ANPR cameras in the fuel stations," the letter added. Meanwhile, the opposition lashed out at the BJP-led administration over the decision. Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition and AAP leader Atishi criticised the inconsistency in the policy rollout. "Is the BJP running a government in Delhi or Phulera's panchayat? One day they make a decision, the next day they say the decision is not right. On the third day, they write letters," she said. She added, "If the decision is not right, why did you take it? And why aren't you taking it back? Why are you playing this letter game? The BJP has a four-engine government in Delhi; if they had wanted to, they could have immediately withdrawn the decision, but they haven't done so yet because the BJP is reportedly in cahoots with car manufacturers, car scrappers, and car dealers. We asked the BJP a question that remains unanswered: How much did the BJP receive in donations from car manufacturers and sellers over the last five years? Removing vehicles after 10 years is a completely absurd, illogical, and baseless decision." Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
India.com
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
Bad news for old car owners in Delhi... Only BS6, CNG and electric vehicles will be allowed to enter from...
Bad news for old car owners in Delhi... Only BS6, CNG and electric vehicles will be allowed to enter from... Keeping the air pollution menace in mind which deepens around Diwali, the Rekha Gupta government has launched a new 'Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025', according to which only BS-VI, CNG and electric commercial vehicles will be able to enter Delhi from November 1, 2025. Efforts to improve the atmosphere of the national capital have intensified and CM Rekha Gupta has started new initiatives to clean the air here. Yes, after promoting electric mobility and electrification of public transport, preparations have now begun to ban the entry of old vehicles into the city. To reduce pollution, the Delhi government has started 'Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025'. According to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, from November 1, 2025, only BS6 and CNG as well as electric commercial vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi. The effect of this effort will be that old and more polluting vehicles can be kept away from Delhi and the air quality of the national capital can be improved. CM Rekha Gupta said that the Delhi government is continuously working to make Delhi pollution free. The Environment Ministry has made this plan to fulfill this dream. Many special things to improve air quality According to the new plan of Delhi CM, from November this year, only those vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi which spread less pollution. Only BS-VI vehicles, CNG-powered vehicles and electric vehicles will be allowed to run in Delhi. Artificial rain is also included in the Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025. Soon, rain will be made in Delhi using cloud seeding technology. Mist sprayers will also be installed at polluted places in the city. Apart from this, it will be mandatory to install anti-smog guns on all the big commercial buildings that are being constructed. Emphasis will be on vehicle scrappage Speaking on the decision to ban the entry of old cars in Delhi from the coming November, Karthik Nagpal, President, Rosmerta Technologies, said that the Delhi government's decision to phase out non-BS6, non-CNG and non-electric commercial vehicles from November 1, 2025 is a commendable and visionary step towards improving air quality and promoting sustainable urban mobility. At Rosmerta Technologies, our advanced vehicle scrappage infrastructure and latest mobility solutions will prove to be helpful in fulfilling the government's efforts.
New Indian Express
05-06-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
City breathed cleaner air in January-May: Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa
NEW DELHI: Delhi has seen a notable improvement in air quality during the first five months of 2025, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 214 from 231 in the same period last year, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Wednesday. According to the government, the average PM2.5 concentration for January to May also fell to 95 µg/m³ from 111 µg/m³ in 2024, indicating a positive shift in pollution levels. May 2025, in particular, recorded the cleanest air in over a decade for the month, with average AQI falling into the 'moderate' category, a rare occurrence for the capital during summer. Sirsa attributed the improvement to the Delhi government's 'Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025'. 'Unlike previous governments that drafted policies but failed on execution, our government is delivering results on the ground. The steady decline in pollutant levels is proof that our comprehensive, multi-pronged approach is working,' he said.
