Home / Environment / Delhi Cracks Down: Old Cars Seized and Scrapped
Delhi Cracks Down: Old Cars Seized and Scrapped
15 Feb
Summary
- Delhi to seize and scrap all end-of-life vehicles in public areas.
- Diesel vehicles over 10 years and petrol over 15 years are targeted.
- Delhi now has an authorised scrapping facility for seized vehicles.
In a significant move to curb air pollution, Delhi's Transport department has announced an intensified enforcement drive against end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). Vehicles classified as ELVs—diesel models over 10 years old and petrol models over 15 years old—will now be seized and scrapped if found plying or parked in public areas. This action aligns with directives from the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court.
Previously, enforcement focused on impounding vehicles in motion. However, recent Supreme Court modifications have empowered authorities to act against parked ELVs as well. Since October 1, 2025, enforcement agencies have impounded 7,789 vehicles under stringent anti-pollution guidelines.
Owners now have access to an authorized scrapping facility within Delhi, located in the Mohan Cooperative Industrial Estate, eliminating the need to travel outside the city for disposal. This initiative, which began de-registering ELVs in January 2022, has seen over 55 lakh vehicles deregistered to date, with 39,273 vehicles scrapped in 2024.
