Today Marks the End of Delhi's Diesel Vehicle Ban. Future Air Quality Hinges on Its Condition
The Delhi government's transportation department has decided to extend the aesthetics under phase 3 of the Graded Response Action Strategy (GRAP) for a few more days. This decision was made in a meeting held on Monday, November 15, 2022.
Under the extended restrictions, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will remain prohibited in the NCT of Delhi. The transport department's order specifies that this restriction applies to light motor vehicles (four-wheelers).
However, emergency vehicles, government vehicles, and vehicles related to elections are exempt from this restriction. The transport department's order does not specify any penalties for these exempted vehicles.
The restriction on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will continue past November 13 if the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) orders GRAP-III and over restrictions. The transport department's order states that the restrictions on these vehicles are part of Stage III of the modified GRAP.
The decision to continue the restrictions comes as the air quality index in Delhi has been secure for the last five days. However, a conference will be held on Monday to decide whether the aesthetics on BS-III petroleum and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi will continue.
Owners of vehicles found plying in violation of the regulation will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicles Act, which could invite a penalty of 20,000. It is important to note that, as of now, BS-III fuel and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are currently allowed on Delhi roads as the aesthetics imposed on them were in place till November 13 and have not been extended yet.
The transport department's order states that the restriction on light motor vehicles (four-wheelers) will continue in the NCT of Delhi until November 13 or a downward revision in GRAP stage, whichever is earlier. The restriction on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will apply to the territory of NCT of Delhi.
This decision is part of the Delhi government's ongoing efforts to improve the city's air quality and combat pollution. It is hoped that these measures will help in maintaining the current secure air quality index in Delhi and further improve it in the coming days.
