Delhi-NCR Bans Older Gas and Diesel Cars Due to Severe Pollution
In the Delhi-NCR region, Stage III limits under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been implemented, temporarily outlawing older emission-standard automobiles.
Information on the precise vehicles that are impacted, the penalties and exemptions, and the duration of the limitations.
The Delhi-NCR region's air quality fell into the "Severe" category, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 400. The jump was caused by sluggish conditions, calm winds, and the accumulation of pollutants.
In light of this situation, Stage III of GRAP has been triggered, imposing stringent industry and vehicle regulations to rapidly reduce emissions.
Delhi and nearby NCR districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar, are off-limits to private four-wheelers with BS-III petrol engines.
During this phase, all private four-wheelers with BS-IV diesel engines are prohibited.
Similar restrictions apply to non-essential diesel cargo vehicles and diesel-powered interstate buses that are not electric, CNG, or BS-VI certified.
In certain situations, vehicles used by people with impairments and those transporting necessities are exempt.
The limitations under GRAP Stage III extend beyond automobiles to:
A total prohibition on non-essential building and demolition activities in the area, such as RMC plants, tile cutting, and earth excavation.
Sand, cement, fly ash, and other dust-producing commodities are no longer transported over unpaved roads.
In several districts, schools up to Class 5 have been recommended to switch to hybrid or online modes in order to minimize travel.
The limitations will be in place until the air quality continues to improve, that is, until the AQI consistently falls below the threshold (about 400).
According to some accounts, drivers of prohibited cars could be fined up to ₹20,000. Authorities enforce the law using PUCC (Pollution Under Control Certificate) checks, vehicle registrations, border checkpoints, and ANPR monitoring.
You will not be allowed admission into Delhi or nearby NCR regions while the ban is in effect if your automobile is a gasoline-powered vehicle marketed under the BS-III standard or a diesel four-wheeler registered before the BS-IV standard (i.e., primarily pre-April 2020 diesel vehicles).
Owners of exempt cars, such as electric, CNG, BS-VI diesel, and vehicles for people with disabilities, are not impacted.
People whose cars are prohibited should make appropriate plans, such as avoiding the restricted area, taking public transportation instead, or, if feasible, using alternate routes outside of the NCR.
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