Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa on Saturday said that vehicles that are older than 15 years will not be provided fuel at petrol pumps after March 31. He announced after he held a meeting with officials to discuss measures to combat air pollution in the national capital. Sirsa, while speaking to the media, said that the government is taking strict measures to curb vehicular emissions and pollution.

Sirsa said that hotels, residential and commercial complexes, and construction sites across Delhi will have to install anti-smog guns to control pollution. He added that anti-smog guns will also be installed at the Delhi airport.

As per an ANI report, Sirsa said, “After 31st March, fuel will not be given to 15-year-old vehicles. There are some big hotels, some big office complexes, Delhi airport, and big construction sites in Delhi—we are going to make it mandatory for all of them to immediately install anti-smog guns to control air pollution. We are going to make it mandatory for all the high-rise buildings in Delhi to install smog guns too.”

#WATCH | Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, “…After 31st March, fuel will not be given to 15-year-old vehicles… There are some big hotels, some big office complexes, Delhi airport, big construction sites in Delhi. We are going to make it mandatory for all… pic.twitter.com/xQ2sgZjfri

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2025

Sirsa added that they will take whatever permission is needed for cloud seeding. “We will ensure that when there is severe pollution in Delhi, rain can be caused through cloud seeding and pollution can be controlled,” Sirsa mentioned.

Delhi government to replace CNG buses with EVs

Sirsa explained that the Delhi government will be informing the Union Ministry of Petroleum about their decision.

He added that nearly 90 per cent of the CNG buses of Delhi Transport Corporation will be phased out by December 2025. The minister said that the buses will be replaced by electric buses as part of the government’s push towards cleaner and sustainable public transport.

Delhi’s air pollution woes

The national capital has been grappling with severe air pollution for over a decade now. The issue intensifies during winter months with air quality dropping to hazardous levels that pose significant health risks for residents.

Vehicular emissions are one of the primary contributors to air pollution in Delhi. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment revealed that from October 12 to November 2, 2024, vehicular emissions accounted for 51.5% of Delhi’s air pollution. Following that, stubble burning, industrial activities and dust are the biggest pollutants.