New Delhi: Delhi Leader of Opposition Atishi has written a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, urging her to reconsider the Delhi Government’s plan to scrap 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles. Calling the policy irrational and harmful to lakhs of ordinary residents, Atishi demanded that the BJP-led state government bring new legislation to protect older vehicles from blanket bans.
In her letter, Atishi warned that the proposed ban—scheduled to come into effect from November 1—would adversely affect over 60 lakh vehicles, including 20 lakh four-wheelers and 40 lakh two-wheelers. She said the rollback of the July 1 ban following public backlash should have been a lesson for the government.
“The age of a vehicle cannot be the sole criterion to determine pollution levels,” Atishi wrote, highlighting that many old vehicles are well-maintained and non-polluting, while some newer ones may emit far more due to poor upkeep. “This policy only benefits car manufacturers, dealers, and scrappers, while the common man suffers,” she added.
Atishi emphasized the challenges faced by middle-class families, women commuters, and senior citizens, who rely on their existing vehicles for daily needs, often using them for short trips or essential errands. Scrapping lakhs of vehicles, she noted, would create a disproportionate burden on families already grappling with inflation and financial uncertainty.
While acknowledging the need to curb pollution, she criticized the blanket ban approach, stating that it lacks scientific and social consideration. She urged the government to bring a bill in the Delhi Assembly to protect well-maintained 10-year-old vehicles, pointing out that both the Centre and State are governed by the BJP, enabling swift passage of legislation.
“The only real solution is to legislate. If needed, a special session of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha should be convened to deliberate and pass the bill,” Atishi said.
She concluded by assuring full support from the Aam Aadmi Party in helping the government pass a fair and people-centric law to provide relief to lakhs of Delhi residents.
