The Delhi government took a U-turn and stopped the campaign to seize old vehicles. The government has written a letter to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), citing technical challenges and complex systems to remove the fuel ban on old vehicles. Delhi Police also did not seize any old vehicles on Thursday.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the government will take all necessary steps to remove the ban on vehicles that have completed their age in the capital. After this assurance from the CM, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa wrote a letter to the CAQM and requested to reconsider the order of seizure of old vehicles. The letter said that there are technical flaws in the Automatic Number Plate Recognition System (ANPR).

It is not even implemented in the entire NCR. In such a situation, it is hasty to implement the order of a fuel ban. Sirsa told the media that there is anger among the citizens regarding the campaign, and the government stands with them. Sirsa said in the letter that complaints have been received that the cameras at petrol pumps are not working properly.

They are facing technical problems. Action should be taken on vehicles by looking at their pollution level. Let us tell you that from July 1, the Delhi government had imposed a ban on petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years from taking fuel. Bureau

Balance is necessary... The Delhi government is committed to controlling air pollution. The government is working on a long-term solution for clean, sustainable transport. While implementing any decision, a balance with the needs of the citizens is also necessary. The decision of the CAQM is affecting the daily life and livelihood of lakhs of families.

-Rekha Gupta, CM

The Delhi government is in line with the commission's objective to gradually remove polluting vehicles. For this, a comprehensive air pollution mitigation action plan has also been implemented. -Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Environment Minister

The main reasons behind reconsideration

Technical flaws in the Automatic Number Plate Recognition System, ANPR cameras have been installed at most places, but the expected results are not being achieved.

There are problems like camera placement, sensor, and speaker not working. Complex system and lack of integration with neighboring states.

The ANPR system has not been implemented in neighboring states. ANPR cameras have not been installed at fuel stations in neighboring districts. This has caused discontent among people.

Ban imposed by the Supreme Court order

In fact, in a 2018 Supreme Court decision, the operation of 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles was banned in Delhi. Similarly, in 2014, the National Green Tribunal had banned parking of 15-year-old vehicles in public places.

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