Delhi Implements Ban on BS-III, BS-IV Vehicles to Curb Severe Air Pollution
In a bid to address the escalating air pollution crisis, the Delhi government has imposed a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers starting Friday under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III). This decisive measure comes in response to the city’s air quality index (AQI) reaching the ‘severe’ category, posing serious health risks to residents.
Penalties and Exceptions
The ban entails strict enforcement, with violators facing a penalty of ₹20,000 under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Furthermore, BS-III diesel Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) registered in Delhi are restricted from operating within the city, barring those involved in the transportation of essential commodities or critical services.
Inter-state buses entering Delhi are also subject to restrictions, with entry permitted only for vehicles running on EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. However, buses holding an All India Tourist Permit are exempt from this rule.
Comprehensive Measures Under GRAP-III
The ban is one of several measures outlined under GRAP-III to combat air pollution. These include:
- Enhanced Road Cleaning: Mechanized sweepers are deployed for intensified cleaning operations.
- Dust Suppression: Daily water sprinkling on roads mixed with dust suppressants in high-pollution zones.
- Construction Ban: Prohibition of demolition, excavation, and transport of demolition waste, which are significant contributors to dust pollution.
The GRAP categorizes AQI into ‘poor’ (201-300), ‘very poor’ (301-400), ‘severe’ (401-450), and ‘severe plus’ (above 450). This year, the ‘severe’ AQI levels emerged later than usual, offering a brief respite before stringent measures were reintroduced.
11-Point Action Plan
To complement GRAP-III, the Delhi government has rolled out an 11-point action plan aimed at reducing pollution. Key highlights include:
- Increasing the frequency of road cleaning in high-traffic areas.
- Deploying additional water sprinkling vehicles, especially in pollution hotspots.
- Promoting public transportation to reduce the number of private vehicles on roads.
- Encouraging telecommuting and carpooling among office-goers to reduce vehicular emissions.
Impact of Pollution on Public Health
With Delhi’s AQI breaching the severe category, experts have highlighted the grave health implications of prolonged exposure to such toxic air. Studies indicate a rise in respiratory ailments, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced lung function among the city’s residents during peak pollution months.
Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable, with many hospitals reporting a surge in cases of respiratory distress and asthma exacerbations. The air quality crisis has also reignited debates about long-term solutions, including stricter industrial emission norms and enhanced green cover in urban areas.
Public Response and Challenges
While these measures are critical, many residents have raised concerns about the inconvenience caused by the ban. Owners of older vehicles have called for government incentives to switch to cleaner alternatives like CNG or electric vehicles, citing the financial burden of upgrading. Environmental activists, however, have lauded the government’s actions, emphasizing that such steps are essential to curb the alarming rise in pollution levels.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Critics argue that a more holistic approach, including regional cooperation to tackle stubble burning in neighboring states, is needed to achieve significant improvements in air quality.
Looking Ahead
The Delhi government’s latest crackdown on pollution is a crucial step toward mitigating the city’s worsening air quality. However, achieving sustained improvements will require coordinated efforts involving policymakers, industries, and citizens. Initiatives like the promotion of electric vehicles, expansion of public transport, and stricter industrial emission regulations are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner and healthier future for the capital.
