Pollution Body Admits No Research Has Been Done Behind Overage Vehicle Ban

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has not conducted any scientific study or pollution research regarding the environmental impact of 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles, prior to imposing restrictions on their usage, a Right To Information (RTI) response to a query filed by an individual, Amit Gupta, has revealed.

The ban on older vehicles-a matter that has directly impacted thousands of vehicle owners in Delhi-NCR-was imposed, the CAQM clarified, was not an independent one, but a compliance measure based on prior judicial directions issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Vardhman Kaushik Vs. Union of India & Or, and the Supreme Court order in M.C. Mehta Vs. Union of India & Ors.

The RTI reply also includes a reference to a letter dated July 3, 2025, received from the Government of NCT, Delhi, which appears to have been enclosed as part of the information provided to the applicant.

Citizens unsatisfied with the RTI response have been advised to file an appeal within 30 days with the First Appellate Authority, the Director at CAQM.

With no scientific research conducted or cited, the response dated July 28, 2025, raises questions regarding the evidence base for the decision to ban vehicles purely based on age. Environment activists have earlier pointed out that emissions depend on maintenance and usage patterns rather than age alone. For now, the Commission has disposed of the RTI request, making it clear that the policy is rooted in judicial compliance rather than fresh empirical research. The lack of empirical backing raises concerns over the effectiveness of blanket bans.