Tue Jul 08 20:02:30 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has postponed the ban on refueling older vehicles (over 15 years for petrol, 10 years for diesel) in Delhi from July 1st to November 1st, 2025. This delay aligns the enforcement date with that of five adjoining high-vehicle-density districts. The decision followed public criticism and a request from the Delhi government, citing “operational and infrastructural challenges,” despite initially supporting the ban. The CAQM granted the extension to allow for addressing technological gaps in the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. Fuel retailers and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have welcomed the delay. The RWAs have called for a re-evaluation of the definition of ‘overage’ vehicles and suggest an improved Pollution Under Control (PUC) system.

**News Article:**

**Delhi Air Quality Plan Delayed: Ban on Refueling Older Vehicles Pushed to November**

**New Delhi, July 9, 2025:** The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced a postponement of the ban on refueling “end of life” vehicles (ELVs) in Delhi, pushing the enforcement date from July 1st to November 1st, 2025. This decision comes after significant public backlash and a request from the Delhi government.

The ban, initially slated to target petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years, aims to combat air pollution in the national capital. However, the Delhi government, citing “operational and infrastructural challenges” related to the implementation of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, requested a delay.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa lauded the decision as “people-centric,” promising that his government is committed to protecting people’s rights and dignity.

The delay will also synchronize the enforcement of the ban with the five adjoining “high-vehicle-density” (HVD) districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Sonipat, all of which are scheduled to implement the ban on November 1st.

The CAQM has instructed the transport departments of Delhi and the NCR States to use the extra time to install, test, and train personnel on the ANPR system, ensuring effective enforcement of the ban when it takes effect.

Nischal Singhania, President of the Delhi Petrol Dealers Association (DPDA), stated that the delay will provide ample time for fuel retailers to prepare for the new regulations.

Meanwhile, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are calling for a re-evaluation of the definition of ‘overage’ vehicles. B.S Vohra, president of the East Delhi Federation of RWAs, argues that a robust Pollution Under Control (PUC) system could be a more effective way to control polluting vehicles, regardless of age.

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