CAQM’s Move Left Delhi Breathless-But the Final Decision Was a Shocker!

National News: In a crucial decision, CAQM has accepted the Delhi government's request to postpone the fuel ban on old vehicles. This delay comes as a breather for many who feared immediate restrictions. The implementation will now synchronize with adjoining NCR cities, offering uniform policy enforcement. The earlier directive, set to restrict fuel supply to old vehicles in Delhi before other regions, has now been revised. The CAQM decided to push the date forward by four months. The campaign will now begin from November 1, 2025, across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Greater Noida simultaneously.

Directive No. 89 Amended

To reflect this change, CAQM is amending Directive No. 89. While the deferral impacts Delhi’s start date, all other aspects of the vehicle emission control program will remain unchanged. This ensures the overall strategy for cleaner air remains intact across the region. The Delhi government cited logistical challenges and public resistance for the requested delay. Stakeholders argued that a staggered approach would have created confusion and enforcement issues. Environmental experts had also raised concerns that non-uniform implementation might dilute the program’s effectiveness.

The delay, though short, comes after multiple rounds of discussions between CAQM, state authorities, and transport departments. Delhi’s unique urban density and heavy vehicle dependency were also considered while granting the pause. Meanwhile, compliance frameworks in NCR districts like Gurugram, Noida, and Faridabad remain unaffected. CAQM emphasized that all future implementations will factor in ground-level practicalities and public feedback.

Unified NCR Rollout Planned

By choosing a common rollout date, CAQM intends to streamline compliance and minimize border loopholes. Vehicles now cannot escape regulations by simply crossing into a neighbouring district. A synchronized approach strengthens enforcement and limits operational ambiguity. Despite the delay, CAQM emphasized its commitment to curbing vehicular pollution. The four-month pause is a procedural accommodation, not a policy reversal. Authorities added that a joint rollout will simplify monitoring for enforcement agencies across jurisdictions.

It also allows sufficient time for public awareness campaigns and technical readiness. Transport unions and fleet operators have welcomed the unified approach as more predictable and manageable. The Commission has also hinted at deploying digital enforcement tools to detect violations in real time. Ultimately, CAQM believes that uniformity in action is key to securing long-term gains in air quality improvement.