Old Vehicle Ban in Haryana Being Enforced Beyond Karnal

Hitting the road for a weekend getaway or your daily commute can soon become a challenge in Haryana. The Haryana government has started enforcing the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines, which restrict the use of older vehicles in Panipat, Karnal, and other areas of the National Capital Region (NCR). This decision will target diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles exceeding 15 years of age, with orders to confiscate said vehicles. This recent move to enforce this ban has sparked debate – is it a necessary step towards cleaner air, or an inconvenience for drivers? 

In this blog, we'll look into the available details of the old vehicle ban in Haryana. We'll explore the rationale behind the enforcement of this regulation, its impact on travellers from neighbouring states, and alternative solutions for a more sustainable commute. By understanding the bigger picture, we can navigate this change and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.

Understanding the Enforcement of the Ban

Experts speculate that the primary reason behind enforcing the ban is the NGT's attempt to curb the exponentially growing air pollution levels in Haryana. The NGT has been a driving force behind stricter vehicle emission regulations in India, including some of the most severely polluted areas of the NCR region. Recently, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlighted Haryana as one of the states with concerning air quality. 

Areas Affected by the Enforcement of the Ban

The ban is currently in place in NCR areas of Haryana. Specific NCR cities likely affected include Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Bahadurgarh. 

Panipat Police have launched a special enforcement campaign targeting vehicles violating the age restrictions. Petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years will be confiscated by authorities. Police teams are deployed on key state roads like Panipat-Haridwar, Panipat-Rohtak, and Panipat-Jind to enforce the ban. Confiscated vehicles will be brought to the police station.

Similar restrictions on older vehicles exist in Delhi NCR. Fourteen districts of Haryana namely Jhajjar, Palwal, Sonipat, Gurugram, Panipat, Rohtak, Mewat, Rewari, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Faridabad, Karnal, Charkhi Dadri, and Jind fall under the NCR umbrella. This explains the stricter enforcement measures undertaken by Panipat Police, which lies within the NCR zone.

It is important to remember that even if your vehicle is already registered in any other Indian State like Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh — the Haryana Police will directly seize your vehicle.

Also Read : How to Get a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate For Your Vehicle

Implications for Travellers

Residents and travellers from neighbouring states like Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh need to be extra cautious. Before entering Haryana or NCR areas, it's crucial to confirm your vehicle's age falls within the permissible limits. Consider checking online resources or contacting Haryana's transport department for the latest information regarding the enforcement of the ban. If your vehicle doesn't meet the age criteria, explore alternate routes that are unaffected by the ban.

Exemptions?

The latest news excerpt doesn't mention any specific exemptions. However, it's advisable to check for official updates regarding exceptions for commercial vehicles with special permits or those running on cleaner fuels like CNG. Additionally, clarity is needed on whether out-of-state vehicles with valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates are exempt.

Alternatives to Old Vehicles

For those with older vehicles impacted by the enforcement of the ban, exploring alternative commuting options becomes crucial. Carpooling with colleagues or friends headed in the same direction can significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Public transportation options like electric cabs and buses offer a convenient and environment-friendly way to travel.

Additionally, the growing popularity of EVs presents a promising alternative. Government initiatives promoting electric vehicles, such as tax benefits and charging infrastructure development, could further incentivise the shift towards cleaner transportation.

Scrapping Policy and Incentives - What's the Way Forward?

Haryana seems to be taking the necessary steps to further reduce the number of old vehicles on the roads. The move to enforce the ban of old vehicles might take us one step closer to a well-thought-out and much-refined vehicle scrapping policy to encourage the phasing out of older vehicles.

This aligns with the central government's push for a nationwide scrappage policy. Incentives like subsidies or tax breaks on new vehicles purchased upon scrapping older ones could be part of the plan. Keep an eye on official government websites like the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for updates on any such initiatives in Haryana.

The Bottom Line

The recent move to enforce the ban on old vehicles in Haryana aims to address air pollution concerns. Staying updated on the latest developments and following traffic regulations is essential. Explore alternative solutions like carpooling, public transport, or electric vehicles for a cleaner and more sustainable commute. By working together, we can contribute to a healthier environment in Haryana.

Share this blog with your friends and family who might be impacted by the enforcement of the old vehicle ban in Haryana. Let's spread awareness and encourage responsible driving practices. Do you have any suggestions for cleaner commuting solutions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is based on available news reports and is subject to change depending on further announcements by the government. Always refer to official government sources for the latest regulations.