Starting July, Delhi has banned refuelling of diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years. This move, aimed at curbing air pollution, is part of directives by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). However, experts say it may offer limited benefits unless broader sources of pollution are tackled.

BulletsIn

• Diesel vehicles >10 yrs, petrol >15 yrs banned from refuelling in Delhi
• Aims to cut pollution, but vehicles only part of pollution mix
• Vehicles cause ~50% PM2.5, 80% NOx, but not the only sources
• Experts: PUC tests don’t measure PM2.5, NOx — key pollutants
• Construction dust, crop burning, WTE plants, weather worsen air
• BS-VI norms already cut emissions by 80-98% over older models
• Older, well-maintained vehicles can pollute less than new ones
• Policy may hurt low-income groups, no solid public transport fix
• Previous schemes like odd-even had only temporary benefits
• Experts urge broader reforms, not symbolic vehicle bans alone