India, July 11 -- In a significant development for air quality governance, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has amended its earlier directive to now mandate that fuel stations in Delhi and five high-vehicle-density National Capital Region (NCR) districts - Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat - must deny fuel to petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years starting November 1, 2025. This enforcement will extend to the rest of the NCR from April 1, 2026.

The move has sparked public debate, with some contending that a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate should be adequate. Yet, CAQM's action reflects an attempt to take a more decisive, data-driven approach...