Former Delhi CM Atishi Mishra Requests Rekha Gupta To Pass Law That Protects Old Vehicle

Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Mishra has written a public letter to Delhi CM Rekha Gupta requesting her to introduce a law protecting 10-year-old petrol and 15-year-old diesel vehicles. The AAP member argued that a blanket ban on both kinds would adversely impact almost 60 lakh vehicle owners in Delhi-NCR. 

She cited how the middle-class aspirational value of an average Delhi citizen is getting scrapped due to this ban. She also pointed out that vehicle age cannot be the sole criterion for a ban, citing how some 3-4 year old cars can be more polluting than a 10-year-old car, for example. The politician and the former Minister of Education for the National Capital has suggested a legislative route, instead. She has also expressed her intention to fully support and convene a special session at Vidhan Sabha to debate and pass the bill to protect end-of-life vehicles. 

The Delhi Government began impounding overage vehicles at petrol pumps from July 1, complying with the orders of the National Green Tribunal. Petrol pumps were instructed to refrain from fueling overage vehicles. However, the same was later revoked on July 3, citing technological and administrative challenges. Followed by a review meeting, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) put the enforcement on hold until November 1. Post which the campaign will be launched in Delhi and five high adjoining areas with high vehicle density. 

(With Inputs From PTI)