New Delhi, 1 July (H.S.): Starting Tuesday, the Delhi government will prohibit the sale of petrol and diesel to end-of-life (EoL) vehicles as part of its initiative to combat air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Petrol pump owners reported the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras that link to the transport ministry's data to identify EoL vehicles. The Commission for Air Quality Management has mandated that any identified EoL vehicles will be denied fuel from July 1 in Delhi.

A petrol pump manager highlighted the system's launch, stating they are prepared to enforce this new policy and will resort to physical checks if any technical issues arise. The aim is to support efforts for better public health. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized the city’s commitment to cleaner air and reducing pollution, while Chief Minister Rekha Gupta noted significant shifts towards electric public transportation.

The enforcement will rely on AI cameras at fuel stations that detect number plates, distinguishing vehicles that are no longer registered or have surpassed age limits (petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old). The transport department classified EoL vehicles accordingly and warned fuel pump owners that supplying fuel to these vehicles would result in penalties.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar