Controversy Surrounds Delhi's Vehicle Age Restriction as RTI Reveals Lack of New Air Pollution Study

The vehicle age ban in Delhi-NCR, one of the most sweeping anti-pollution measures implemented in recent years, has been a subject of intense debate. The ban, which affects diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old, was confirmed in a Right to Information (RTI) response on July 28, 2025.

However, the policy has been criticized for not incorporating new, localised research. Environmental scientists argue that emissions are more a function of maintenance, fuel quality, and driving habits rather than vehicle age. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has not conducted any independent scientific survey or pollution impact test before imposing the ban.

The CAQM's approach to vehicle pollution has been questioned, with some arguing that it is solely based on court orders and not on any new data or studies carried out by the Commission. This has led to concerns that the ban may not be the most effective means of reducing emissions in Delhi-NCR.

The request from the Delhi government highlights this contested issue. Transport operators and car owners feel well-kept older cars are being unfairly penalized despite their actual emissions. The government has appealed to the Supreme Court to reconsider the ban, stating that it has a significant impact on the people.

The Supreme Court will hear a crucial plea on end-of-life limits for BS VI vehicles in NCR, which could potentially impact the vehicle age ban policy. The name of the person who filed the first petition for reviewing the age ban on vehicles in Delhi-NCR at the Supreme Court is Rajesh Kumar.

Meanwhile, other sources of pollution in Delhi-NCR, such as industrial discharges, dust from construction sites, and crop stubble burning, have received less attention compared to vehicle emissions. This raises questions about the comprehensive nature of the anti-pollution measures in the region.

The CAQM has shelved the RTI appeal, allowing aggrieved citizens to appeal within 30 days to the First Appellate Authority, the Director in CAQM. As the fate of the vehicle age ban policy hangs in the balance, the lack of recent scientific support for the measure becomes increasingly apparent. The outcome of the Supreme Court's decision could shape the future of air quality management in Delhi-NCR.

Controversy Surrounds Delhi's Vehicle Age Restriction as RTI Reveals Lack of New Air Pollution Study