Why Delhi’s crackdown on old vehicles may not be effective in tackling air pollution

On July 1, the Delhi government undertook a significant measure to tackle air pollution: it banned fuel stations from selling fuel to diesel vehicles that were more than ten years old and petrol vehicles that were more than 15 years old.

Vehicular emissions are one of the leading causes of air pollution in Delhi through the year. They can contribute between one-third and two-thirds of the capital’s toxic air, a 2018 analysis showed.

The government’s move was based on a “directive order” issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management in April. The commission is a statutory body established by the Union environment ministry to manage the air quality of the National Capital Region and its adjoining areas.

To identify such “end-of-life” vehicles, automated camera systems were installed in 498 petrol stations in Delhi to scan the number plates of vehicles that entered – if any was found to be above the age limit, or to not possess a pollution under control certificate, the station was to deny it fuel. Authorities also cracked down on overage vehicles: across the city, 87 such vehicles were impounded and 176 notices were issued to owners of others.

But these apparently decisive moves belied considerable confusion over strategy and policy within the government.

This became apparent...

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