Old vehicles are considered to be a big factor in making Delhi's air poisonous. This winter, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) informed that more than 31,000 vehicles were challaned for breaking the rules of GRAP.
Old vehicles are considered to be a big factor in making Delhi's air poisonous. Especially in the winter season, when the air quality becomes very bad, the government implements GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan), which affects these old vehicles the most.
This winter, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) informed that more than 31,000 vehicles were challaned for breaking the rules of GRAP.
Strict rules of GRAP
Every year in winter, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) increases in Delhi, the government takes strict action under GRAP. When GRAP stages 3 and 4 are implemented, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are banned from plying on Delhi roads.
GRAP Stage 3 is implemented when the AQI goes above 350, and Stage 4 when the AQI crosses 400. In these circumstances, action is taken first on old and more polluting vehicles.
This time, GRAP was in force for 42 days
According to the report of DPCC, this time, GRAP was in force for a total of 42 days: 13 days under Stage 3 and 29 days under Stage 4. During this time, the administration ran a strict campaign against vehicles breaking the old rules and issued thousands of pending e challans in delhi.
Checking about 4.5 lakh vehicles
Between January and December 2024, the administration checked about 4.5 lakh vehicles. During this time, about 50,000 trucks were also caught that did not have permission to enter Delhi but were still trying. They were stopped at the borders of Delhi and sent back.
Also Check:- Check Vehicle Owner Details in Delhi
A ban on vehicles is not enough
Environmental expert Anumita Roy Chowdhury of the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) believes that just banning vehicles will not be enough. A long-term solution will be found only when a better and reliable public transport system is developed in Delhi.
She says that if people get comfortable, timely and safe public transport facilities, then people will naturally use their personal vehicles less. This will help in controlling pollution more effectively.
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