Delhi Implements Ban on BS-III, BS-IV Vehicles to Curb Severe Air Pollution
To combat worsening air quality, the Delhi government has enforced a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers starting Friday, as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III). Violators will face a fine of ₹20,000 under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
The order also prohibits Delhi-registered BS-III diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) from plying within the city, except those transporting essential commodities or providing critical services. Additionally, inter-state buses, except those running on EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel, are barred from entering the capital unless they hold an All India Tourist permit.
The restrictions follow the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) directive to implement GRAP-III after the city’s air quality index (AQI) reached the ‘severe’ category.
Measures Under GRAP-III
- Intensified road cleaning with mechanized sweepers.
- Daily water sprinkling mixed with dust suppressants.
- Ban on demolition, earthwork excavation, and transport of demolition waste.
The AQI categories range from ‘poor’ (201-300), ‘very poor’ (301-400), ‘severe’ (401-450), to ‘severe plus’ (above 450). This year, the severe AQI levels were recorded later in November compared to November 2 in 2023.
The government has introduced an 11-point action plan to tackle pollution, including increased road cleaning frequency, enhanced water sprinkling in high-traffic zones, and promoting public transportation.
These measures aim to complement existing efforts to improve Delhi’s air quality and mitigate the health hazards posed by pollution.
