The Delhi government's decision to stop the sale of fuel for vehicles older than 15 years in the national capital met with mixed reactions from the citizens with some in support while others opposed it.
In a bid to curb pollution in the city, the newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party government announced that it will stop providing petrol to vehicles older than 15 years at fuel stations after March 31.
Announcing the decision, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "We are installing gadgets at petrol pumps which will identify vehicles older than 15 years, and no fuel will be provided to them."
'Government Is Right'
A cab driver, speaking to news agency ANI, termed the government's decision to be correct. "The government is right. The validity of vehicles expires after 15 years, so it is not right to drive those vehicles on the roads. Such vehicles should be put in the yard," he said.
Another local said that the decision would help in reducing pollution in the city. "I think this decision is right considering the pollution level in Delhi...this will help in reducing pollution in Delhi," he said.
'Focus On More Sources Of Pollution'
Many residents presented a differing view saying that the decision should not be on the basis of years but the condition of the vehicle.
"This decision of the government is wrong. If the condition of the vehicle is good then its validity should be increased. Only those vehicles should be stopped which are spreading pollution. We maintain our vehicles from time to time, so the decision should be taken only after seeing the condition of the vehicle...," said one local.
Another vehicle owner said, " Vehicles are responsible for pollution in Delhi to a certain extent. Most of the pollution is from dust and factories, so there should be more focus on this front..."