End of Delhi's Diesel Vehicle Ban Arrives Today; Future Actions Hinge on Air Quality Levels

In a move to maintain the city's air quality, the transport department has announced that the restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (four-wheelers) will continue to be enforced in Delhi. This decision is part of the modified GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage III.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai confirmed this during a meeting on Monday, stating that BS-III fuel and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers will remain prohibited under Phase III of the Graded Feedback Action Plan. The restrictions, initially scheduled to end on November 13, have not been extended yet.

The decision to maintain the restrictions comes as the AQI (air quality index) has remained stable in the city for the past four days. However, a conference will be held on Monday to decide whether the visuals imposed on BS-III petroleum and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi will continue or not.

It's important to note that emergency services vehicles and those used for government and election-related work are exempt from the restriction. Owners of cars found plying in violation of the regulation will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicles Act, which could result in a penalty of 20,000.

During a review meeting last week, the Delhi government's transportation department decided that the visuals under phase 3 of the Graded Response Action Strategy (GRAP) should remain in place for a few more days. The current lifting of the restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, which occurred on Sunday, is only temporary.

The Delhi Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) will make a decision on Monday regarding whether the restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheel vehicles in Delhi should continue. Until a downward revision in GRAP stage or November 13, whichever is earlier, the restrictions on these vehicles will continue to be enforced.

The city's residents are encouraged to follow these regulations to help maintain the air quality and contribute to a healthier environment.

End of Delhi's Diesel Vehicle Ban Arrives Today; Future Actions Hinge on Air Quality Levels