In an urgent measure to combat deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the government has announced a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers starting Friday. The decision, taken under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III), aims to tackle the alarming rise in pollution levels.
Violators of the order face stringent penalties, including a fine of ₹20,000 and potential prosecution under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. This step reflects the government’s heightened commitment to addressing the environmental crisis in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Details of the Restrictions
The ban, part of the broader GRAP-III framework, extends to various categories of vehicles:
- Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs): Diesel-operated MGVs registered in Delhi and complying with BS-III standards or below are prohibited from operating in the city. However, exemptions are made for vehicles transporting essential commodities or providing critical services.
- Inter-State Buses: Only inter-state buses running on EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel are permitted entry into Delhi. Exceptions are limited to buses or tempo travelers with an All-India Tourist Permit.
The ban is aimed at significantly reducing vehicular emissions, which are among the leading contributors to Delhi’s poor air quality.
Trigger for GRAP-III Implementation
The decision to enforce GRAP-III comes after the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi crossed the threshold into the “severe” category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) mandated the rollout of these measures starting Friday at 8 a.m.
Air quality in the city had worsened noticeably, with experts linking the rapid decline to seasonal factors, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust.
GRAP-III: Comprehensive Measures
Under GRAP-III, multiple steps have been outlined to curb pollution, including:
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Enhanced Road Cleaning and Dust Management:
- Mechanized road sweeping has been intensified to reduce dust accumulation.
- Daily water sprinkling with dust suppression is being carried out on major roads.
- Proper disposal of collected dust is ensured at designated landfill sites.
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Halt on Construction and Demolition Activities:
- All demolition, earth excavation, boring, drilling, and transportation of demolition waste have been banned.
- These activities are recognized as significant sources of particulate matter, which contribute heavily to pollution levels.
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Public Transport Promotion:
- The government is encouraging the use of public transport to reduce private vehicle emissions.
Air Quality Categorization Under GRAP
GRAP classifies air quality into four categories:
- Poor: AQI 201-300
- Very Poor: AQI 301-400
- Severe: AQI 401-450
- Severe Plus: AQI above 450
Delhi experienced severe air quality earlier this year, on November 2, much sooner than in 2023. The timely implementation of GRAP-III this year aims to prevent further degradation.
11-Point Action Plan
In addition to the vehicle ban, the government has rolled out an 11-point action plan to improve air quality:
- Increased frequency of mechanized sweeping.
- Intensified water sprinkling in areas with high traffic density.
- Promotion of public transport to reduce vehicular emissions.
- Continuous monitoring and enforcement of pollution control measures.
A Shared Responsibility
The Delhi government’s measures aim to complement ongoing initiatives for cleaner air. Authorities have called on residents to cooperate by adhering to the restrictions and reducing personal vehicle usage.
The latest enforcement of GRAP-III highlights the pressing need for collective action to address Delhi’s air pollution crisis. With the AQI hovering in the “severe” zone, the city’s focus remains on immediate and long-term solutions for cleaner, healthier air.
