105 End of Life Vehicles In Delhi-Noida Seized Using ANPR Technology
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recently released a directive under which all End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) are being denied fuel and are also getting seized by the authorities. Recently, during a crackdown in Delhi and Noida, primarily at the Chilla border, unauthorised and polluting two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and light commercial vehicles were seized using the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.
105 ELVs seized in Delhi and Noida
As per the reports, a total of 80 vehicles, including 67 two-wheelers, 12 cars, and a few light commercial vehicles, were seized from Delhi. These vehicles were first denied fuel and were then taken from the owners. Over 520 fuel stations in Mayur Vihar, Ghazipur, Uttam Nagar, and Ashok Vihar. The authorities used ANPR cameras connected to the VAHAN vehicle database.
Additionally, real-time surveillance and mobile verification were being done by the traffic inspectors. During the crackdown, the authorities reported that there were delays in data recognition, untrained fuel station staff, and unclear enforcement protocols.
Apart from Delhi, at Noida’s Chilla Border, 25 ELVs were seized. These included 10 petrol vehicles and 15 diesel vehicles. Reportedly, there are more than 62 lakh ELVs in Delhi and over 1.8 lakh ELVs in Noida (1.5 lakh petrol and 30,000 diesel vehicles).
ANPR technology and its application
As mentioned above, the authorities are now using ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) cameras, which can detect, using the database, the life of the vehicle. It scans the number plate, then matches its details with the VAHAN registry, and then alerts attendants of the fuel station to deny fuel.
It has been mentioned that from October 31, 101 fuel stations in Noida will be fitted with ANPR cameras. Also, from November 1, Noida will bring automatic denial of fuel to flagged vehicles.
Public reactions
The public in Delhi and Noida have displayed mixed reactions. There is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding as to who is affected and who is not. Also, there is a lot of frustration amongst unaware vehicle owners. Additionally, many fuel station attendants are untrained, and there are no clear instructions on alert systems.
A number of people have shared that they agree with the new directive, as the air in Delhi and surrounding areas has become unbreathable. Meanwhile, others, particularly ELV owners, have highlighted that they are feeling discriminated against for using “functional” old vehicles. They have also called out for better awareness and clarity.
End of life vehicles
For those who may still not be aware, End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) are petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. According to reports, these ELVs contribute 28 percent of PM2.5, 41 percent of sulfur dioxide, and 78 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions in the NCR region.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) official Dr. Virendra Sharma said, "We've already scanned over 3.63 crore vehicles via ANPR during the trial. Of these, 4.9 lakh have been flagged as EoL. This isn't just seasonal enforcement—it's a long-term transition."