Delhi is preparing to open its first registered vehicle scrapping facility (RVSF) aimed at responsibly dismantling older vehicles and reducing pollution in the capital.

In a recent meeting, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) categorized these scrapping units as part of the orange category industry, which indicates a moderate level of pollution. The DPCC is ready to grant consent to private companies that wish to operate these facilities.

Officials stated that the DPCC will oversee the authorization of RVSFs under various regulations, including those related to hazardous waste, electronic waste, and plastic waste management. Currently, Delhi does not have any dedicated scrapping units, leading the transport department to address vehicular pollution by confiscating end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) and sending them to RVSFs in neighboring states.

ELVs include petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles more than 10 years old. In response to environmental concerns, both the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal have imposed restrictions on the registration and operation of these vehicles.

During its board meeting on September 27, the DPCC acknowledged the growing necessity for scientific vehicle dismantling, particularly due to the central government’s regulations on deregistering older vehicles.

The committee expressed concern that the absence of legal scrapping facilities could lead to illegal operations in residential or unauthorized areas, which would pose significant pollution risks. "As the activity is a service industry and also helps in the circular economy, consent may be granted to such units in approved industrial areas," the committee noted.

RVSFs will be classified under the orange category for pollution, which is determined by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) using a four-color system—red, orange, white, and green—based on environmental impact.

A DPCC official highlighted the urgency of establishing these facilities, stating that plans are in place to impound ELVs on a larger scale this winter. With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, the board has decided to allow RVSFs to operate within the city.

"Any private entity with access to land in an industrial area and sufficient capital can apply for consent to operate. The DPCC will monitor air and water quality, particularly for lead," the official explained.

Currently, around 5 million ELVs are registered in Delhi, with 15,401 vehicles impounded so far in 2023 and 2024. The Commission for Air Quality Management has informed the Supreme Court that, despite a 50% reduction in crop stubble burning over the past three years, the large number of ELVs continues to worsen pollution levels.

Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director for Research and Advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment, highlighted the need for a well-structured scrappage system. "A well-organized scrappage infrastructure is crucial for any fleet renewal policy and schemes to replace older vehicles with new and electric ones. While this can reduce emissions from polluting vehicles, it also aids in recovering materials for reuse, preventing toxic contamination of the environment," she said.

Roychowdhury also emphasized that as the scrappage infrastructure expands, effective implementation is essential to ensure that all ELVs are accurately identified and directed to RVSFs.

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