Delhi Police Seizing Old Vehicles: Delhi, often ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, is once again in the spotlight—but this time for aggressive action against vehicular pollution, which accounts for over 50% of total emissions in the capital.
Following long-standing concerns and repeated court orders, the Delhi government, in collaboration with Delhi Police and other agencies, has started seizing old petrol and diesel vehicles in an effort to reduce air pollution.
The action follows directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court, making it a legal obligation rather than a policy choice.
If you own an old vehicle in Delhi, here’s what you need to know:
1. Diesel vehicles older than 10 years are banned
2. Petrol vehicles older than 15 years are banned
These vehicles are now classified as End-of-Life (EOL) and are no longer road legal in Delhi NCR.
Fuel stations have been upgraded with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to detect and deny fuel to such vehicles.
The enforcement is being carried out jointly by:
Delhi Police, Traffic Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
These teams are stationed at fuel pumps across the city. Once an EOL vehicle is detected:
1. It is seized immediately
2. It is sent to a government-approved scrap dealer
3. Owners are offered a scrap value based on vehicle condition
Delhi Police officials have clarified that such vehicles are uninsured, making them dangerous for both the owners and public.
The move has triggered massive outrage among Delhiites. With an estimated 62 lakh vehicles falling under the ban, the scale is massive.
People have taken to social media to voice their frustration. Many were unaware of the implementation date, and some discovered it the hard way—by losing their vehicles.
“My old car was my livelihood. It got seized at a fuel station, and now I’m stranded,” said a delivery driver in East Delhi.
Many feel the process lacks proper public awareness and grace period, especially for low-income citizens who can’t afford a new vehicle overnight.
#WATCH | Delhi Police seized two end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) – 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles from a petrol pump.
— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2025
Ashok Kumar, Traffic Inspector, says "Two motorcycles have been seized from here. As per guidelines, we will hand over to the registered vehicle… pic.twitter.com/p4VE3fOxAU
This isn’t a new decision. The ban on old vehicles was first announced by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in April 2015. It was later upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
So, while the Delhi government is implementing the ban, the legal directive came from higher judicial authorities. This also means the government has limited scope to reverse or delay the action, even under public pressure.
If your vehicle is nearing or past the age limit:
1. Do not drive it in Delhi NCR
2. Check the Parivahan portal to see if it’s officially deregistered
3. Visit a registered scrap dealer to avoid sudden seizure
4. Explore vehicle scrappage incentives and EV exchange schemes
Several automobile companies and the Delhi government have scrappage policies that provide discounts or subsidies on new purchases when old vehicles are scrapped.
While the public is suffering, some industries may benefit:
Winners:
Automobile manufacturers (new vehicle sales may surge)
EV companies (demand likely to rise)
Scrap & recycling businesses
Losers:
Low- and middle-income citizens
Small transport operators
Used car dealers
This ban may push Delhi’s transition toward electric and hybrid vehicles, but critics argue that economic disparity will make the shift difficult for many.
The goal behind the ban is clear—to reduce pollution in a city gasping for clean air. But the execution has left many citizens shocked and unprepared.
With over 62 lakh vehicles at stake, smooth implementation will require better awareness, transition support, and financial schemes for affected citizens.
The question remains:
Can Delhi balance clean air with citizen welfare? Or will the crackdown worsen urban inequalities?
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