Absence of RVSFs holds up J&K’s Vehicle Scrappage Policy

Srinagar, Dec 21: Jammu and Kashmir is facing delays in implementing the central government’s vehicle scrappage policy due to the absence of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs). The policy, aimed at promoting the disposal of old vehicles and replacing them with more eco-friendly alternatives, cannot be fully implemented in the Union Territory (UT) as no certified scrapping centers are available.
As a result, vehicle owners, especially those in public transport, continue to use end-of-life vehicles, which not only increase pollution but also pose significant safety risks. The absence of scrapping centers not only hampers environmental progress but also prevents the state from benefiting from incentives such as tax rebates and discounts on new vehicles.
According to data obtained by Rising Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir is home to over 2.7 lakh end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) that are no longer roadworthy. These vehicles lack valid fitness or registration certificates, highlighting the urgent need for proper disposal systems in line with the central government’s vehicle scrappage policy.
The UT has 1,10,793 transport vehicles without valid fitness certificates and 1,54,020 non-transport vehicles without valid registration certificates. Additionally, the registration certificates (RCs) of 6,038 vehicles have been canceled, while no vehicle has voluntarily surrendered its registration certificate.
Introduced to encourage eco-friendly disposal, the Vehicle Scrappage Policy mandates that vehicles failing fitness tests must be scrapped at RVSFs. However, due to the absence of these centers in J&K, the policy cannot be effectively enforced.
The lack of scrapping centers poses multiple challenges. Old vehicles with outdated engines emit harmful pollutants and contribute to congestion by occupying public space. Furthermore, without proper disposal infrastructure, the region struggles to meet national environmental sustainability standards.
Under the scrappage policy, vehicle owners are eligible for incentives, including tax rebates of up to 25% for private vehicles and 15% for commercial vehicles. Vehicle manufacturers also offer up to a 5% discount on new vehicles when old ones are scrapped. Additionally, those who scrap their vehicles are provided with a green certificate, which offers further tax benefits.
An official, speaking to Rising Kashmir, confirmed that Jammu and Kashmir currently lacks any Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility Centers, delaying the implementation of the policy.