Wed Dec 10 18:10:15 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has informed the Supreme Court that Delhi’s air pollution problem is exacerbated by the continued use of over 6.3 million end-of-life vehicles, many exceeding 15/10 years old (petrol/diesel), despite the CAQM’s efforts to remove them. The CAQM cites a lack of enforcement and a previous Supreme Court order lifting restrictions as contributing factors. They also highlight the impact of older Bharat Stage (BS) emission standard vehicles. The CAQM has issued directives to phase out older vehicles, implement cleaner buses by 2026, and mandate a transition to cleaner modes for delivery and e-commerce services. State governments in the NCR have also been directed to phase out existing diesel auto-rickshaws by 2026 in a phased, time-bound manner.

News Article:

Delhi Chokes on Old Cars: CAQM Blames Lax Enforcement, Court Order for Persistent Air Pollution

NEW DELHI, December 10, 2025 – Millions of aging vehicles continue to plague Delhi’s air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) told the Supreme Court today. The commission estimates that over 6.3 million end-of-life vehicles are still in use in the capital, significantly contributing to the city’s notorious air pollution.

The CAQM, represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, argued that its efforts to remove these highly polluting vehicles have been hampered by a lack of stringent enforcement by authorities, compounded by a Supreme Court order on August 12, 2025, that temporarily lifted restrictions on them.

“Progress in ensuring that petrol/ diesel vehicles more than 15/10 years old do not ply in the NCR has been far from satisfactory,” the CAQM stated in its report. The Commission highlighted that many BS-I, BS-II, and BS-III standard vehicles, which have significantly higher emission rates, remain on the road despite being far beyond their intended lifespan.

The CAQM reiterated its commitment to tackling the issue, outlining measures already in place, including:

  • A ban on non-CNG/EV/BS-VI Diesel buses entering Delhi from November 1, 2026.
  • Directives for motor vehicle aggregators, delivery services, and e-commerce companies to rapidly transition to cleaner transportation methods.
  • Orders for NCR state governments to phase out diesel auto-rickshaws by 2026 in a staggered, time-bound manner.

The Commission emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly during the winter months when meteorological conditions exacerbate the impact of vehicle emissions. The CAQM hopes that the court will consider these challenges as it continues to address Delhi’s ongoing air quality crisis.

Read More