Delhi to deny fuel to vehicles older than 15 years
What's the story
In a bid to curb air pollution in the capital, the Delhi government has announced a new policy.
From April 1, vehicles over 15 years old will be denied fuel at fuel stations.
The decision was revealed by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, after long discussions with officials on how to tackle air pollution in the city.
Vehicle tracking
Monitoring system for old vehicles
To implement this new policy, a monitoring system would be established at fuel stations.
"We are installing gadgets at petrol pumps which will identify vehicles older than 15 years, and no fuel will be provided to them," Sirsa explained.
The Union Ministry of Petroleum has been apprised of this decision, which is part of the government's larger plan to combat air pollution.
Pollution control
Multi-pronged approach to combat pollution
The Delhi government is also planning to rope in University of Delhi students for a tree plantation drive.
Further, it will identify and direct large polluting organizations, to monitor their emissions with the help of certain devices.
Sirsa said high-rise buildings, hotels, and commercial complexes including the Delhi airport will have to install anti-smog guns as part of these efforts.
Pollution mitigation
Delhi government seeks approval for artificial rain
The Delhi government is also seeking the central government's approval to carry out cloud seeding and induce artificial rain whenever air pollution levels spike in the city.
In a major step toward greener public transport, the Delhi government plans to retire nearly 90% of the city's public CNG buses. They will be replaced with electric buses by December 2025.