New Delhi: A man in Delhi has been forced to sell his ₹84-lakh Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV for just ₹2.5 lakh due to new government rules aimed at controlling air pollution in the national capital.

The vehicle owner, Varun Vij, said he bought the luxury car in 2015. However, due to the latest regulations enforced by the Delhi government from July 1, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years can no longer be driven or refueled in the city.

The move is part of the government’s compliance with the directives issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to curb rising pollution levels.

As a result, several vehicle owners in Delhi are now being forced to sell their well-maintained older cars at throwaway prices, with no other option.

Vij, who resides in Delhi, expressed sadness over parting with the car, which he said held emotional value for his family. He said the vehicle had run 1.35 lakh kilometers and was in excellent condition, but due to the government’s rule, he had no choice but to sell it.