Delhi Pollution: NO ENTRY for BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel cars; Govt imposes heavy FINE

Due to deteriorating air quality index in Delhi, Centre's air quality panel announced Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) stage III under which few vehicles are banned from entering the capital.

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Following the implementation of GRAP III in Delhi due to the rising air pollution the capital region, the Delhi government on Monday imposed a ban on plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the city till December 9. Earlier, centre's air quality panel implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 407 on Sunday. The panel also directed authorities in the Delhi-NCR to ban non-essential construction work in the region. On Monday, the govt banned the vehicle movement under section 115 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and restricted BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (four-wheelers) in NCT till December 9.

"As per the directions as provided under Stage III of the revised GRAP and under section 115 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, it is hereby ordered that there shall be restrictions to ply BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (four-wheelers) in NCT of Delhi with immediate effect till December 9 or till downward revision in GRAP stage, whichever is earlier," read an order issued by the transport department.

Vehicles deployed in emergency services and government or election work are exempt. "If any BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMV four-wheeler found plying on the roads will be prosecuted under section 194 of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 which provides with a fine of Rs 20,000," the order said.

It observed that the air quality witnessed further deterioration over the last 24 hours. In an effort to prevent more deterioration, the sub-committee decided that all actions as envisaged under stage III of GRAP be implemented with immediate effect in the NCR, in addition to all actions under stages I and II, it said in an order.

The pollution level in Delhi entered the 'severe' category after November 4, when the AQI was 447. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had directed authorities on November 14 to revoke the curbs enforced in the Delhi-NCR under stage III of GRAP, including a ban on non-essential construction activities.

The pollution level in Delhi entered the 'severe' category after November 4, when the AQI was 447. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

With agency inputs