Ensure no fuel is added to 'no fuel'

Good public policy doesn't just solve problems. It does so fairly, efficiently, and with an eye on the future. It's also shaped transparently, with all stakeholders at the table. But all these boxes are rarely ticked. Take Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) recent directive: starting July 1, all end-of-life (EoL) vehicles - diesel vehicles over 10 years old, and over-15 petrol ones - regardless of their state of registration, won't be allowed to refuel in Delhi. This decision makes ample sense, given pollution concerns. But it has put petrol pump-owners in a spot, considering civic sense (read: public reaction to rules and regulations) across India isn't one of its fortes.

Earlier this week, Delhi Petrol Dealers' Association (DPDA) urged the city administration to revoke penalties on pump-owners for failing to enforce the 'no fuel for old vehicles' policy. They raised three concerns. One, under Essential Commodities Act, dealers aren't allowed to deny fuel to any customer. Two, pump attendants are not trained or authorised to act as enforcement officers. Three, unless the rule applies across Delhi-NCR, vehicles will refuel just outside city limits, hurting business.

All three points are valid. The second is the most pressing, especially in Delhi, where enforcing rules often comes at personal risk. Confrontations between the public and those tasked with policy implementation can quickly escalate. In Ghaziabad, a pump attendant was recently shot for enforcing the 'No Helmet, No Fuel' rule. In April, two toll plaza staffers in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district were injured in a dispute over toll charges. Enforcement is the state's job. If that requires boots on the ground, so be it. Compliance shouldn't be taken for granted.