Environment Ministry's Petrol Car Tender Raises Concerns Amid Delhi's Push for Cleaner Vehicles

In a move that raises questions about the government's commitment to reducing vehicular emissions, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a tender for the procurement of 57 petrol-powered cars. This decision comes shortly after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recommended that all government departments in the National Capital Region (NCR) transition to cleaner-fuel vehicles.On May 8, the environment ministry floated a tender on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal for 60 cars to be deployed in New Delhi at an estimated cost of ₹8.4 crore. Of these, 57 are petrol-powered vehicles—27 units of Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and 30 units of Maruti Suzuki Dzire. The remaining three vehicles include two Toyota Hycross hybrids and one Tata Tigor electric vehicle.

This procurement plan appears to contradict the Delhi government's ongoing efforts to promote electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce air pollution. The city's EV policy, introduced in 2020 and extended multiple times, aims to achieve 95% EV adoption among new vehicle registrations by 2027 and full recharging infrastructure coverage by 2030. The policy offers various incentives, including subsidies for e-cycles, e-rickshaws, and electric two-wheelers. 

Additionally, the Delhi government has implemented measures to curb the use of older, more polluting vehicles. Starting April 1, 2025, vehicles older than 15 years will be denied fuel at petrol pumps, and a special task force will enforce this rule. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality in the capital. 

The environment ministry's decision to procure petrol-powered cars has drawn criticism from environmental experts and policymakers who argue that it undermines the city's efforts to transition to cleaner transportation options. They contend that government agencies should lead by example in adopting sustainable practices, especially in regions grappling with severe air pollution.

In conclusion, the environment ministry's recent tender for petrol-powered vehicles raises concerns about the coherence of government policies aimed at reducing air pollution in Delhi. As the city strives to promote electric mobility and phase out older, polluting vehicles, such decisions by central agencies may hinder progress toward cleaner air and a more sustainable urban environment.

Source: Outlook Business