BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel car owners in Delhi can heave a sigh of relief. Because after 11 days, the ban on these vehicles has been lifted from Friday (27th December) night. Heavy rains that started on Friday morning helped reduce pollution levels and improve the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had imposed restrictive measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4 on 16 December. Which were later reduced to Stage 3. Both measures restricted the movement of these vehicles.
Central agency decides the stages of GRAP
It has been raining in Delhi for the last two days, due to which there was traffic jam around the city on Friday. However, due to rain, the AQI improved to 324 at 7 pm on Friday evening. If the pollution level is very poor or worse and the AQI is more than 350, then GRAP Stage 3 and 4 measures remain effective. The central agency that monitors pollution levels in Delhi decides when to implement the measures.
On Friday, CAQM released a statement which read, “Delhi’s air quality has declined from ‘severe’ category to ‘poor’ category. As a result, the Stage III measures imposed earlier are now being withdrawn. ” This was the second time in two months that pollution in Delhi has forced authorities to ban BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles. Also in November, strict measures were imposed for almost two weeks amid high pollution levels.
Delhi Pollution: What is GRAP?
GRAP measures are response plans to restrict activities to reduce pollution levels in Delhi. GRAP has four stages that restrict activities based on the severity of pollution levels. Under the new GRAP 3 norms, BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel vehicles are banned from plying in Delhi-NCR. However, these restrictions do not apply to passengers with disabilities. All non-essential BS 4 diesel-powered commercial vehicles have also been banned from plying on the roads of the national capital during this phase. GRAP Phase 2 of the response plan does not ban the use of private BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel-powered cars.
Fine may still be imposed!
Removing the ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel cars does not mean that all vehicles compliant with emission norms will be allowed to run. Petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel cars older than 15 years will remain under the scanner of Delhi Traffic Police. They can be confiscated and heavy fines can be imposed on the owners. It is also important to note that to avoid detection, vehicle owners must also hold a valid pollution control certificate. Failure to do so may result in a fine of Rs 10,000.