Delhi-NCR bans BS3, BS4 diesel vehicles as pollution reaches severe levels
Air quality in Delhi and its surrounding regions has once again deteriorated to hazardous levels, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) beyond 400. With pollution entering the ‘severe’ category, authorities have activated Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), prompting stricter measures across Delhi-NCR.
Under the latest directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), BS3 and BS4 diesel vehicles have been temporarily barred from operating in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. The restrictions also apply to non-essential diesel-powered goods carriers and interstate buses that are not CNG-compliant. However, vehicles used by persons with disabilities have been exempted from these curbs.
Authorities have warned that violations of the ban may attract fines of up to Rs. 20,000. The restrictions will remain in force until the AQI falls below 400 and stays consistently under that threshold.