Delhi drafts policy for removing vehicles older than 15 years
Delhi is gearing up to become India's first city with an "end of vehicle life" policy as it works on draft rules to remove all vehicles older than 15 years from roads. This is in accordance with a 2014 NGT order, which deemed the move necessary to check pollution. Government data says that out of 1cr registered vehicles, 37L fit the criteria for impounding.
Why did it take three years to implement NGT's order?
In November'14, the NGT had banned diesel vehicles in Delhi older than 15 years. "One diesel vehicle causes pollution equal to 24 petrol vehicles and 40 CNG vehicles," it observed. But the authorities cited problems while implementing the order. For one, there's lack of space to park old vehicles after seizing them. Moreover, there's no proper mechanism to guide the dismantling process.
So which vehicles are at risk now?
The administration is now drafting the Delhi Scrapping of Vehicles Rules, 2018. Owners can voluntarily give up their old vehicles to empanelled dealers in lieu of a fixed scrapping charge. Junk vehicles found parked in public places will be impounded and the owner informed. If they don't respond within 15 days, the vehicle will be scrapped and the money transferred to the government account.
How will the scrapping process be conducted?
Only those dealers who have scrapyards of at least 1,000 square yards in non-residential areas, and are approved by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, will be authorized to carry out scrapping. They will get licenses against a bank guarantee of Rs. 10L. CCTV cameras will be installed in the scrapyard to monitor the process. The transport department will have 24x7 access to live feeds.
When is the policy likely to go live?
Delhi Traffic Police, the three municipal corporations and the transport department will be in charge. The draft is likely to be made public by March and feedback will be invited. The policy is expected to be notified by 2018 end and implemented early next year.
