Delhi Minister for Environment, Forest and Wildlife Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Saturday that vehicles older than 15 years will not be allowed to refuel at petrol pumps from April 1. The decision follows a high-level meeting with officials on pollution control measures.
Sirsa stated that a dedicated team would be formed to identify and restrict the movement of such vehicles in and out of Delhi. Additionally, he emphasised the need for installing anti-smog guns at key locations, including Delhi Airport, high-rise buildings, major offices, hotels and construction sites, to mitigate pollution levels.
“After March 31, fuel will not be provided to vehicles older than 15 years. We are also making it mandatory for large commercial complexes, high-rise buildings and hotels in Delhi to install anti-smog guns to help control pollution,” Sirsa said while addressing the media.
Further intensifying pollution control efforts, the Delhi government is exploring artificial rain through cloud seeding. Sirsa mentioned that necessary permissions would be sought to execute the initiative whenever pollution levels in the city become severe.
“The government will ensure that cloud seeding is conducted to induce artificial rain, which can significantly reduce pollution,” he added.
The announcement comes as air quality in Delhi deteriorates every winter due to vehicular emissions, industrial pollution and stubble burning in neighboring states.