Written by: Altamash Khan
In recent years, the growing concern about vehicular emissions and their impact on air quality has sparked widespread debate about the most effective ways to control pollution. One of the solutions gaining momentum is scrapping vehicles based on their health (fitness), rather than simply their age. India, a country struggling with increasing pollution levels in urban areas, has already taken significant steps in this direction. The government’s vehicle scrappage policy, introduced in 2021, is an important move aimed at tackling air pollution by phasing out old and unfit vehicles. Traditionally, vehicles have been scrapped based on their age. For instance, private vehicles that are over 20 years old and commercial vehicles over 15 years old are often deemed unfit to be on the roads. The logic behind this approach is simple: as vehicles age, their efficiency declines, and they tend to emit more pollutants. However, the problem with this blanket approach is that not all old vehicles are polluters, and not all new vehicles are environmentally friendly. Many older vehicles, if well-maintained, can perform better in emissions tests than some newer models that may not have been properly cared for.
The idea of scrapping vehicles based on their health or fitness, rather than their age, offers a more targeted solution to the problem of pollution. Vehicle fitness is determined by a range of factors, including engine performance, emissions, and overall structural integrity. By focusing on these criteria, authorities can ensure that vehicles contributing the most to pollution are taken off the roads, regardless of their age. The key reason for scrapping vehicles should be to reduce pollution, not just to clear old vehicles off the road. A well-maintained older car with proper emission control systems may emit less than a neglected newer vehicle. Health-based scrapping targets the vehicles that are actual culprits in terms of emissions, thereby making a more significant impact on improving air quality. Many vehicle owners take great care of their cars and ensure they pass fitness tests. In such cases, forcing them to scrap a vehicle just because it’s old is not only unfair but also economically wasteful. Health-based scrapping allows for well-maintained vehicles to remain in use, reducing financial burdens on owners while also preventing unnecessary waste. If scrappage is based on the vehicle’s health, owners are more likely to invest in regular maintenance to ensure that their vehicles remain fit for use. This could lead to a culture of better vehicle upkeep, which in turn would contribute to fewer breakdowns, lower emissions, and safer roads. When vehicles are scrapped based on health rather than age, it encourages recycling and reuse of automotive parts. If components are still in good condition, they can be repurposed or sold, supporting the circular economy and reducing the environmental burden of manufacturing new parts.
India’s Vehicle Scrappage Policy, unveiled in 2021, is a landmark move aimed at phasing out polluting vehicles. Under this policy, vehicles that are older than 20 years (private) and 15 years (commercial) will have to undergo fitness tests to determine whether they are fit to be on the road. If they fail the fitness test, they will have to be scrapped. The policy is expected to result in the removal of about 10 million vehicles that are over 15 years old, and contribute to about 10-12% of the total vehicular pollution. These vehicles often have outdated emission control technologies and produce high levels of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Additionally, the policy offers incentives to those who scrap their old vehicles, such as discounts on new vehicles, reduced road taxes, and registration fee waivers. The idea is to encourage people to voluntarily scrap unfit vehicles and switch to cleaner, more efficient models.
Scrapping vehicles based on their health, rather than just their age, is a smarter, more sustainable approach to combating vehicular pollution. India’s move to include fitness-based criteria in its vehicle scrappage policy is a welcome step, as it focuses on the actual performance of the vehicle in terms of emissions and safety. By encouraging regular vehicle maintenance, promoting the recycling of parts, and ensuring that the worst polluters are taken off the roads, health-based scrapping can lead to cleaner air and healthier cities, without unnecessarily burdening responsible vehicle owners.
About the Writer:
Altamash Khan is a contributing journalist who completed his journalism studies at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University. He has over half a decade of experience writing on a wide range of topics, from politics and social issues to technology and Brands. In addition to his journalism work, he works as a Public Relations and Brand Strategist, helping communicate Brand messages to the World. He would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Leave a comment below or reach out via the social media handles.