Owners of BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel vehicles in Delhi are permitted to operate their cars starting today, January 6, following an improvement in the air quality of the national capital. On Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 restrictions, which had prohibited the use of BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel vehicles as a measure to combat pollution. The central panel overseeing pollution levels in Delhi had reinstated the GRAP Stage 3 restrictions on January 3 due to a surge in pollution that elevated the air quality index (AQI) in the city.

On the evening of January 5, the CAQM declared the removal of the ban on BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel vehicles. This decision followed the AQI in Delhi reaching 339 points, categorized as ‘very poor’. According to the GRAP framework, the most stringent measures are enacted to mitigate pollution by limiting the movement of vehicles that contribute to emissions, including commercial diesel vehicles. In recent weeks, Delhi's AQI has consistently remained at ‘very poor’ or worse, prompting the CAQM to enforce these stringent measures three times within a three-month period.

Under the revised GRAP guidelines, the operation of BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel vehicles is restricted in the Delhi-NCR region. However, these restrictions do not apply to commuters with disabilities. Additionally, all non-essential commercial vehicles powered by BS 4 diesel are also prohibited from operating on the streets of the national capital during this phase. The GRAP Stage 2 of the response plan does not impose a ban on the use of private BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel vehicles.

Nitin Gadkari plans to free Delhi from pollution in 5 years

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has recently committed to eliminating pollution in Delhi within the next five years. He has revealed an investment of ₹12,500 crore aimed at enhancing the transport infrastructure of the national capital and mitigating pollution levels in the near future. He stated, “Our government has introduced electric buses, cars, and scooters, as fossil fuels account for 40 percent of Delhi's pollution. We have also implemented CNG vehicles, and we are determined to rid Delhi of pollution in five years."

Delhi pollution: What you should know

The removal of the ban on BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel vehicles does not imply that all cars meeting the emission standards will be permitted to operate freely. Petrol vehicles that are over 15 years old, as well as diesel cars exceeding the same age limit, will continue to be monitored by the Delhi Traffic Police. Such vehicles may be subject to impoundment, and their owners could incur substantial fines. Additionally, it is crucial for vehicle owners to possess a valid Pollution Under Control certificate to avoid penalties; failure to do so may result in a fine of ₹10,000.

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