The Delhi transport department will start deregistering all diesel vehicles that are, or will turn 10 years old, on January 1, 2022. This is in compliance with the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order, which also states that owners can apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and register these vehicles elsewhere.

• Diesel vehicles older than 10 years can be re-registered elsewhere after getting an NOC
• Deregistered vehicles can be retrofitted with electric kits
• NOC will only be issued in regions with least vehicular density

For reference, the NGT had stated in 2014 that petrol vehicles over 15 years and diesel vehicles over 10 years will not be allowed to ply in the National Capital Region (NCR). This was met with protest and the NGT subsequently tweaked the order in 2016, stating that diesel vehicles older than 15 years and complying with BS-I and BS-II norms must be scrapped first. This came as relief for owners as they had paid lifetime road tax for the vehicle for 15 years.

The circular also laid down certain rules under which NOC will be issued:

1. No NOC for diesel vehicles over 15 years.
2. Diesel vehicles up to 10 years and petrol vehicles under 15 years can apply for NOC anywhere in the country.
3. NOC for the aforementioned vehicles will be issued only in regions identified by states as having least vehicular density.

The order added that once the car is deregistered, owners have two options – to scrap it, or retrofit an electric powertrain. In case owners go down the second path, their cars can be retrofitted with empanelled electric kits. But, this should only be done through agencies approved by the transport department.

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