What Is the NGT and Why This Ban?

The National Green Tribunal is a judicial body established to deal with cases involving environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. It holds both legal and administrative power to direct and enforce environmental policies in India.

The vehicle ban in Delhi-NCR is aimed at addressing the severe air pollution levels in the region. With Delhi consistently ranking among the most polluted cities in the world, vehicular emissions are one of the largest contributors to poor air quality. The ban specifically targets older diesel and petrol vehicles, which are known to release higher quantities of pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

The decision is based on numerous studies indicating that aging vehicles contribute disproportionately to urban pollution. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), vehicles older than 10 years, especially those running on diesel, can emit nearly 10 to 15 times more harmful pollutants compared to newer models that comply with current emission standards.

Who Is Affected by the Ban?

The NGT’s directive applies to a wide group of vehicle owners across Delhi and NCR cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad. If you own a diesel vehicle that is over 10 years old or a petrol vehicle older than 15 years, your vehicle is now considered illegal for use on public roads in this region.

The rule affects private individuals, fleet operators, government departments, commercial transport agencies, and anyone who uses such vehicles for commuting, delivery, or business. The ban remains effective regardless of the vehicle’s physical condition or its pollution under control (PUC) certification.

Enforcement and Monitoring

In recent years, the enforcement of this ban has intensified significantly. The Delhi Transport Department, along with local traffic police, has deployed various methods to ensure compliance. These include:

• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras

• Roadside pollution checks

• Surveillance at entry and exit points of the city

• Regular traffic inspections

Vehicles found violating the ban are subject to immediate seizure and impoundment. Fines may also be levied, and in some cases, legal proceedings may follow. Even if your vehicle is registered outside of Delhi-NCR, you are not allowed to drive it within the region if it violates the age limits.

Legal Background and Timeline

The roots of the vehicle ban date back to 2015 when the NGT first issued its order, directing that diesel vehicles older than 10 years would not be permitted on Delhi’s roads. In 2018, this was further enforced by the Supreme Court of India, making it mandatory for state governments and local bodies to follow suit.

The Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, provides the framework under which vehicles are registered and maintained. However, the NGT’s order overrides general permissions when it comes to public interest, especially in cases concerning environmental degradation and public health.

The ban was not only upheld in subsequent hearings but has also been expanded to include more regions within NCR, reflecting the growing urgency to tackle environmental issues head-on.

Why Are Diesel Vehicles Targeted More Strictly?

Diesel engines, while more fuel-efficient, emit more harmful gases compared to petrol engines. They produce higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which are the primary contributors to smog and respiratory diseases.

Long-term exposure to diesel emissions has been linked to chronic health conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, and even certain types of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified diesel engine exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen.

In contrast, petrol engines, though not entirely clean, emit relatively lower amounts of particulate matter. Hence, the slightly more lenient age limit of 15 years for petrol vehicles.

How This Ban Impacts Vehicle Owners

For many residents, especially those with older vehicles, this rule poses financial and logistical challenges. A large number of middle-class families rely on aging cars that are fully paid off and still functional. The ban forces them to consider replacement, which might not always be financially viable.

Owners of vintage and collector cars also face difficulties. Though these vehicles may be maintained in pristine condition and used occasionally, they are not exempt from the ban. Special permissions can be sought in rare cases, but they are hard to obtain.

Fleet operators and small businesses that use commercial diesel vehicles also face higher operational costs, as they must now either retrofit their vehicles to comply with modern standards (where possible) or purchase new ones.

Scrapping Policy: What Should You Do With Your Old Vehicle?

To support this transition, the government of India introduced the Vehicle Scrappage Policy in 2021. This policy aims to create a structured ecosystem for dismantling and recycling end-of-life vehicles.

Here’s what you can do if your vehicle falls under the banned category:

1. Voluntary Deregistration: Approach your local RTO and apply for deregistration of the vehicle. This will officially take the vehicle off records and prevent legal complications.

2. Scrapping and Recycling: Hand over your vehicle to an authorized vehicle scrapping center. These centers provide a scrapping certificate, which can be used to claim benefits when buying a new vehicle.

3. Claim Incentives: Some states offer rebates on road tax and registration fees for people who scrap their old vehicles and buy a new one. You may also get loyalty bonuses from car manufacturers.

4. Switch to Electric Vehicles: With increasing options in the EV market and incentives under the FAME-II scheme, now might be a good time to make the switch to electric mobility.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Very few exceptions are granted under this rule. Emergency vehicles like ambulances, police vans, and fire trucks may be allowed to operate beyond the 10 or 15-year limits, depending on necessity and maintenance. However, such exceptions are granted under stringent conditions and often for a limited period.

Some individuals have tried to transfer their vehicle registration to another state with more lenient rules. While this might delay the consequences temporarily, it does not provide a long-term solution. Delhi-NCR’s enforcement is location-based, not registration-based, meaning any non-compliant vehicle will still be impounded if found on the roads here.

Impact on the Used Vehicle Market

The second-hand car market in Delhi-NCR has seen a noticeable shift. Vehicles close to the age limits have experienced a drop in resale value. Buyers are now more cautious, and sellers are finding it difficult to offload vehicles nearing the ban threshold.

In contrast, neighboring states with relaxed regulations have seen an increase in the registration of older vehicles, though this may change if the NGT’s directives are adopted more widely across India.

Dealers have started focusing more on offering newer, BS6-compliant vehicles and electric vehicles, which are in higher demand as a result of the ban.

Long-Term Environmental Benefits

Despite the inconvenience, the vehicle ban has the potential to produce significant long-term benefits:

• Improved air quality in densely populated urban areas

• Reduction in respiratory diseases and related healthcare costs

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation

• Increased demand for clean technology, encouraging manufacturers to innovate and invest in cleaner alternatives

According to environmental monitoring agencies, the removal of old diesel and petrol vehicles can significantly reduce the emission of key pollutants, especially during winter months when air quality tends to deteriorate sharply.

Future of Urban Mobility in India

The vehicle ban is a part of a larger movement toward clean and sustainable urban mobility. Cities across India are beginning to adopt similar restrictions, and electric vehicles are being positioned as the future of transportation.

Government initiatives like better public transport, metro rail expansions, dedicated cycling lanes, and EV charging infrastructure are expected to complement these regulations. With climate change becoming an increasingly urgent issue, regulations such as these are no longer optional—they are essential.

Final Words

The NGT’s ban on 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in Delhi-NCR is a major step in India’s fight against air pollution. While it poses challenges for vehicle owners, especially from an economic perspective, it also brings opportunities for cleaner transportation and a healthier environment.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to stay informed, comply with the new regulations, and explore available government incentives. As cities evolve and the focus shifts to sustainability, adapting early will not only help the environment but also ensure smoother mobility and better health outcomes for future generations.