New Delhi [India], November 16 (HBTV): The Delhi government has implemented a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers from plying under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) in the national capital starting Friday to combat deteriorating air quality.

As per the government order, violators will face prosecution under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, and a fine of INR 20,000.

'There shall be no plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (4-wheelers) in Delhi. There shall be no plying of Delhi-registered diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) of BS-III standards or below, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services,' the order stated.

'The BS-III and below diesel-operated LCVs (goods carriers) registered outside Delhi are not permitted to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. Inter-state buses from NCR states, other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel, are not permitted to enter Delhi (excluding buses/tempo travellers operated with All India Tourist Permits),' the order added.

'Any violation of the above directions shall invite prosecution under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, which provides a fine of INR 20,000,' the order further stated.

This comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) in Delhi-NCR starting Friday at 8 am to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the national capital region after the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi worsened and reached the severe category.

GRAP-III measures to mitigate the effects of air pollution in Delhi NCR include intensifying the frequency of mechanized road sweeping, daily water sprinkling with dust suppressants before peak traffic hours, and proper disposal of collected dust in designated sites/landfills, including hotspots and heavy traffic corridors.

All demolition works, earthworks for excavation and filling, including boring and drilling works, as well as the transportation of demolition waste, are banned with the implementation of GRAP-III measures to fight air pollution.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the National Capital Region (NCR) is classified into four different stages based on adverse air quality in Delhi:

Stage I -- 'poor' (AQI 201-300)

Stage II -- 'very poor' (AQI 301-400)

Stage III -- 'severe' (AQI 401-450)

Stage IV -- 'severe plus' (AQI >450)

This year, Stage III has been invoked much later than in 2023, when it was activated on November 2. The action plan, effective across the entire NCR, will supplement ongoing Stage-I and Stage-II measures already in place.

The 11-point action plan under Stage III includes increased road sweeping, intensified water sprinkling with dust suppressants in high-traffic areas, and enhanced public transport services with differential pricing to encourage off-peak travel.   

(ANI)