Latest news with #ELVs
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
ELV engine recycling cartel on the rise in Delhi
Delhi, for years now, has witnessed a scrutiny of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) to curb air pollution — it is mandatory for 15-year-old petrol vehicles and 10-year-old diesel vehicles to undergo fitness tests, failing which they are sent for scrapping. Recently too, chief minister Rekha Gupta announced the strict implementation of this policy from April this year. While such vehicles are supposed to be sent to only 'certified facilities' for scrapping, an unintended but damaging consequence is surfacing in the form of a strategic black market run by scrap mafias, say police officers aware of the matter. The illegal activity takes place in two ways: Organised gangs in the guise of scrap dealers either directly lure vehicle owners with quick cash, or exploit the regulatory vacuum around decommissioned vehicles at certified scrapyards. In both ways, the criminal networks have turned old and polluting vehicles into a lucrative source of illicit engine sales and spare parts trafficking, said officials aware of the matter. 'Instead of dismantling the vehicles as per pollution control norms, they extract the engines and key components, tamper with identification numbers, and resell them—often to workshops and intermediaries—without any paperwork,' a police officer said, asking not to be named. This has led to crackdown in the recent months. According to police data, 138 complaints of alleged illegal use of ELVs have been registered in 2025 till May 15, while a total of 35 arrests have been made following raids at many locations, including Mayapuri and Seelampur. Latest available data from financial year 2024-25 shows that about 300,000 vehicles were deregistered in the Capital, according to the Delhi transport department, while around 200,000 lost their registration in 2023-24, 618,192 in 2022-23, and 4,877,646 in 2021-22. Further, the data revealed that 14,000 vehicles were scrapped in 2023-24; 135,419 in 2022-23; and 5,000 in 2021-22. The process Owners can check the age of their registered vehicle on the transport department website, which also shows whether the vehicle has been deregistered upon becoming an ELV. Following this, the owner is supposed to contact a registered vehicle scrapping facility (RVSF), which will then collect and inspect the vehicle. The owner will then receive a certificate of deposit from the RVSF, stating that the vehicle has been legally decommissioned, and after scrapping of the ELV, payment will be sent to a registered bank account. While the process reads rather simple on paper, many vehicle owners are either unaware or willingly bypass it, unknowingly feeding a thriving underground trade, say both police officers and workers at the scrapyards. During a visit by HT to one of the certified scrapyards in west Delhi's Mayapuri Industrial Area, where piles of rusted bikes lay stripped to their skeletons, a worker claimed that one can easily get 15,000 engines from there in a month by pulling the right strings. Detailing the modus operandi, the worker, requested anonymity, said: 'The scam begins with a seemingly routine transaction. Owners looking to offload ELVs hand them over to local scrap dealers for less than ₹2,000. But the dealers are not simply sending these vehicles for recycling. Instead, they remove the engine, erase or alter the chassis and engine numbers, and pass them down a supply chain that ends at illegal workshops.' Another worker claimed that he can remove the engine in front of the owner, erase the serial number and make it ready to install in another bike. 'You can pick the model and the condition; we'll get you the engine. Prices are modest: ₹600 to ₹1,500 for a used engine, depending on the demand and the model. This affordability has made such engines highly sought-after by small repair shops, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, where enforcement is lax, and documentation rarely verified,' he explained. Another mechanic at northeast Delhi's Seelampur scrapyard, said that even vehicles that are sold with the intent of scrapping can find their way back on the roads— albeit in pieces. 'Engines from multiple two-wheelers, for instance, are used to cobble together functioning bikes sold under false papers or no documentation at all. There are direct linkages between local scrap shops and larger warehouses where engines and valuable parts were stockpiled,' he said. Police too are aware of the illegal business. 'We've received many complaints about the supply chain that stretches across three states—Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana—and operates across at least 20 police jurisdictions,' an officer said, asking not to be named. As many as 12 officials of municipal corporation of Delhi's (MCD's) Shahdara (South) zone were booked in January this year by Delhi government's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) for their alleged involvement in illegal disposal of seized vehicles over an 11-year period. Joint commissioner of police (CP) and ACB chief Madhur Verma said that a complaint was received in April 2024 alleging that vehicles seized between 2010 and 2021 were sold or removed without following due process. 'Under MCD rules, such vehicles must be auctioned with prior approval. However, a subsequent verification revealed that out of 609 vehicles identified for auction, only 281 were legally sold, and just nine were found in the MCD's stores. The fate of the remaining 319 vehicles remains unknown,' Verma said. 'Based on the findings, a proposal to investigate the officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act was approved in January 2025. The ACB is also awaiting permission to probe two more accounts officers,' he added. 'Most owners do not reclaim scrap deposit' What's aiding this illegal economy is a surprising statistic: nearly 90% of owners who part with their ELVs never follow-up on their final status, a transport department official informed. This lack of oversight creates a grey zone, where unscrupulous scrap operators flourish. 'These owners don't file a formal de-registration or demand a certificate of destruction,' said a Delhi Police officer familiar with the matter. 'They're content with selling the vehicle for scrap and moving on.' Officials in the transport department too admit that enforcement gaps exist. 'Monitoring the end-use of scrapped vehicles and unregistered yards remains a challenge,' said a senior transport official, asking not to be named. Police, however, have recently stepped up efforts. 'Raids have been conducted in Mayapuri and Seelampur—well-known scrap hubs—and a few arrests have been made. However, the decentralised and mobile nature of the racket makes it difficult to crack down effectively,' said a senior police officer, who did not wish to be named. Special commissioner of police (traffic) Ajay Chaudhry has advised vehicle owners to ensure deregistration of their vehicle with the local RTO and to demand and retain a certificate of destruction from a certified scrapper. 'The owners must also avoid selling vehicles without proper transfer of ownership or scrapping paperwork,' he said.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Show-cause notice to nine registered units over ‘non-payment, underpayment' of scrap value of impounded vehicles
Following multiple complaints from vehicle owners, the transport department has issued show cause notices to at least nine Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) in the Capital. The complaints range from non-payment or underpayment of scrap value for impounded vehicles to scrap value paid not being in accordance with government guidelines, said officials. Besides, the complaints stated that scrap value of unclaimed vehicles that were impounded had not been paid to the government, they added. These scrapping units were authorised by the transport department during the drive against 'end of life' vehicles (ELVs) or overage vehicles launched in October last year. The engagement of these units with the department has been put on hold for the time being, said officials. Sources said that following the complaints, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has issued notice to all zones of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) engaged in the drive besides the transport department. A senior transport department official said, 'The department has been receiving several complaints and grievances on a daily basis regarding non-payment or underpayment of scrap value for impounded vehicles…The complaints allege that the scrap value paid is not in accordance with the official memorandum issued by the Ministry of Steel for (such) vehicles…' The vehicle owners have also accused the RVSFs of not issuing Certificate of Deposit (COD) despite repeated communications, said officials. 'Despite repeated reminders, they did not submit the amounts/scrap value of the unclaimed vehicles to the government's treasury… As per the guidelines for handling ELVs, the RVSFs should submit the scrap value to the government within 15 days without deducting any charge…,' said a senior official from the transport department. Officials said these RVSFs have continuously violated the ELV guidelines and have not submitted data regarding COD and transaction details to the department to date. COD is issued to the owners of ELVs for getting their vehicles scrapped from a registered scrapyard. Last year, the government approved a tax rebate scheme, under which the owners get a discount on purchasing new vehicles after getting their old petrol and diesel vehicles, which have completed 15 years and 10 years, respectively, scrapped from government-authorised units. While the concession amount is 20% for new non-transport petrol/CNG/LPG vehicles and 15% for diesel vehicles, for transport vehicles, it is 15% for petrol/CNG/LPG and 10% for diesel. The tax concessions, though, cannot exceed 50% of the scrap value. The valid period of this certificate, which is electronically tradable, is three years. However, no concessions will be available for government-owned or impounded vehicles. Last year, in a drive launched before Diwali to curb vehicular pollution, the department engaged around 17 RVSFs on a voluntary basis. Delhi Traffic Police and the civic body also participated in the drive. Between October 2024 and February 2025, a total 28,049 ELVs were impounded and handed over to different RVSFs. Notably, petrol vehicles over the age of 15 and diesel vehicles over the age of 10 years have not been allowed to run in the city for the past several years. The department had started de-registering such overaged vehicles in Delhi from January 2022, following directions from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). These vehicles can be sold in other states after procuring No-Objection Certificates.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Westover Auto Salvage first in western Mass. to join SHiFT vehicle retirement program
BELCHERTOWN, Mass. (WWLP) – Westover Auto Salvage has become the first automotive recycling facility in western Massachusetts to partner with the SHiFT Vehicle Retirement Initiative. SHiFT is a national program aimed at removing End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) from roadways and supporting environmentally responsible vehicle dismantling. The Belchertown-based company announced the milestone this week, marking a significant step forward in efforts to reduce automotive-related emissions and promote a circular economy in the region. The partnership requires participating recyclers to commit to fully retiring a vehicle's engine once it enters the SHiFT program, ensuring that high-emission, low-efficiency vehicles are permanently removed from circulation. 'At facilities like ours, we take a scientific approach to automotive recycling and a scalpel to the remains of retired vehicles to ensure as much of the ELV is recycled as possible,' said Brian Bachand, CEO of Westover Auto Salvage. To celebrate the partnership, Westover will host an exclusive demonstration showcasing the environmentally conscious dismantling of a retired Toyota Tacoma — the first vehicle the company received through SHiFT. The event will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how ELVs are safely and scientifically depolluted, stripped for parts, and responsibly recycled. Unlike traditional salvage operations, Westover employs a meticulous, environmentally sound approach to vehicle dismantling, minimizing waste and maximizing recyclable output. The facility is also one of just three in Massachusetts to hold a High Voltage Vehicle Certification, authorizing it to handle, depollute, and dismantle electric and hybrid vehicle batteries — a crucial capability as the transportation sector increasingly shifts toward cleaner energy. The SHiFT initiative aligns with growing efforts nationwide to combat climate change by reducing reliance on outdated vehicles that contribute to pollution and inefficient fuel consumption. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
AI, Smog Guns And More: Bad-Air Fight To Go Smart
New Delhi: Sending automatic notice to pollution norm violators at construction and demolition sites causing high PM2.5 levels through an AI-enabled website, installation of anti-smog guns in commercial establishments measuring 5,000 square metres and above and high-rise buildings, addition of 2,300 e-rickshaws at metro stations and third-party audit of pollution certification centres are salient features of the environment action plan for minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Tuesday that the plan would be released by chief minister Rekha Gupta next week. Sirsa broached the plan with Gupta at a high-level committee meeting at Delhi Secretariat on Tuesday. After discussing improving the city's air quality, expanding green cover and reviewing the implementation of environmental policies, govt departments were instructed to undertake strict and time-bound measures to combat controlling dust, the action plan endorses rooftop sprinkler systems for all high-rise buildings and compulsory water sprinkling systems at construction sites to settle dust. Delhi govt will also deploy 1,000 water sprinklers and 140 mobile anti-smog guns across the city throughout the year, except during the monsoons. Delhi govt is preparing for a trial of artificial rain in Delhi, which can prove a breakthrough in controlling air said all construction and demolition (C&D) sites over 500 sqm must now register on the Delhi Pollution Control Committee portal to ensure compliance with air pollution control norms. It will be mandatory to install anti-smog guns in high-rises and commercial establishments measuring 5,000 sqm, while sites between 200 and 500 sqm must also follow dust control guidelines, with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi responsible for reduce vehicular pollution, the action plan will instal RFID tag readers at 95% of the entry points of Delhi. "Delhi govt has installed 495 automatic number plate recognition cameras at petrol stations to detect end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). This is being extended to all border entry points," Gupta said. "The cameras will identify restricted vehicles and notify enforcement authorities. This system will also allow real-time tracking of ELVs operating in the city."CM said that if an ELV entered Delhi, its owner would receive an instant SMS alert. Variable signboards at border points would display the count of such vehicles. In addition, SMS alerts would be sent to owners of ELVs registered in neighbouring states, notifying them that their vehicles weren't permitted to enter the announced that all PUC centres in Delhi would be audited. Any test centre found issuing false certificates would be fined. The CAG report tabled on April 1 had highlighted irregularities in the issue of PUC certificates, such as their being issued without conducting proper tests, due to which the correctness of the certification was in doubt. Over one lakh vehicles were declared 'Pass' and given PUC certificate despite emitting CO/HC beyond the permissible boost public transport, 2,300 e-rickshaws will be stationed at metro stations for last-mile connectivity. Of these, 700 would be operated by women, thus providing them with employment while promoting safe, eco-friendly said the environment plan with its 40 action points defines specific targeted steps to combat pollution. "A key feature of this plan is the development of an AI-enabled beta version 2 of the DPCC portal, which will enable direct online issuance of challans to polluting entities," said Sirsa. "To add to this, all vehicles deployed for dust mitigation, those carrying anti-smog guns and all water sprinklers would be GPS-enabled for real-time monitoring. These vehicles will also be equipped with sensors to assess the air quality," he stressed that Delhi govt was fully committed to fighting air pollution through a combination of technology, enforcement and coordination. She said that govt's environmental commitment went beyond announcements to result-driven actions with permanent changes being the priority.
New Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Delhi to block End-of-Life Vehicles at borders: ANPR cameras to enforce rule
NEW DELHI: In a move to tackle vehicular pollution at its source, the Delhi government will soon install Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at all border entry points to restrict the entry of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) into the city. Announcing the initiative, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the step is part of a broader push under the state's upcoming Environment Action Plan 2025-26, which will focus on technology-led, data-driven interventions to improve air quality and reduce emissions. 'Through data, automation, and inter-state communication, we are creating a pollution shield around the capital,' Sirsa said after a high-level meeting with officials from the Environment and Transport Departments, as well as the Delhi Traffic Police. The ANPR camera network will scan vehicle number plates in real time, cross-check them with the VAHAN database, and flag ELVs attempting to enter Delhi. If identified, the vehicle's details will flash on LED screens at the border, accompanied by a warning message. Simultaneously, automated SMS and WhatsApp alerts will be sent to the registered owner, informing them of the violation and possible penalties. 'This is more than just enforcement,' Sirsa said. 'It's about protecting the health of our people. The system will also build awareness among transporters and vehicle owners in neighbouring states,' he added. The cameras will serve both as a surveillance and educational tool. The Transport Department has been directed to issue periodic alerts to vehicle owners, particularly those nearing the ELV threshold, to encourage timely compliance. A 12-month SMS notification calendar is being prepared to ensure sustained inter-state outreach. Officials said this initiative would be one of several tech-based interventions in the forthcoming Environment Action Plan. The minister reviewed various components of the plan at the meeting held at the Delhi Secretariat, including measures to control vehicular emissions, dust management, C&D waste regulation, electric mobility promotion, and Yamuna rejuvenation. Departments including DPCC, MCD, NDMC, DJB, and Delhi Traffic Police have been asked to streamline their implementation schedules and submit revised targets. Anti-smog guns and water sprinklers are also scheduled to be deployed across key pollution hotspots starting June 1. A related report was carried by TNIE in its April 23 edition.
