The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Noida has declared that, starting November 1, fuel stations will stop serving petrol and diesel to vehicles that exceed the legal age limit. This applies to diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years, in line with regulations laid out by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for the National Capital Region (NCR).

To ensure strict implementation of the directive, fuel stations across Noida and Ghaziabad will be equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These high-tech systems will instantly scan vehicle registration plates and cross-reference them with the transport department’s records. Any vehicle identified as being beyond the age threshold will be refused fuel immediately.

Over 2 Lakh Vehicles Affected In Gautam Buddha Nagar

Data from the Gautam Buddha Nagar Transport Department indicates that approximately 2.08 lakh vehicles in the district fall under the restricted category. Owners of these vehicles are being notified by the department, urging them to take necessary steps to comply with the new policy.

NOC Or Surrender Required

The RTO has advised vehicle owners to either obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to relocate their vehicles outside the NCR or voluntarily surrender them to avoid legal consequences. Authorities have cautioned that non-compliance could lead to penalties or even vehicle seizure.

Challenges In Implementation Loom

While the move aims to improve air quality, enforcement may pose challenges. Identifying and managing a large number of violators could strain the resources of both the transport and traffic departments.

Another pressing concern is the disposal of decommissioned vehicles. With no dedicated dumping infrastructure in place in Noida, officials expect a surge in abandoned vehicles once the ban is enforced.

A Step Toward Cleaner Air

As the NCR continues to battle hazardous air pollution, this fuel ban is expected to significantly reduce emissions from aging vehicles. Authorities believe that such preventive actions are essential to improving the region’s environmental health over the long term.