Delhi Pollution: Your BS-III or BS-IV Vehicle Could Invite Rs 20,000 Fine. Here's Why

New Delhi: The Delhi government has imposed a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) starting Friday to address the deteriorating air quality in the city. Violators will face prosecution under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and a fine of Rs 20,000."There shall be no plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMV (4 wheelers) in Delhi. There shall be no plying of Delhi registered Diesel operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs), of BS-III standards or below, in Delhi, except, those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services," the order mentioned."The BS-III and below diesel-operated LCVs (goods carriers) registered outside Delhi are not permitted to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services. The 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 Permit)," the order read."Any violation of the above directions shall invite a prosecution under section 194(1) of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 which provides a fine of Rs.20,000," the order read.The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed the implementation of GRAP-III after Delhi’s air quality reached the ‘severe’ category. Measures under GRAP-III include intensified road sweeping, daily water sprinkling with dust suppressants before peak traffic hours, and the proper disposal of collected dust. Activities like demolition, excavation, and transportation of construction waste are strictly banned under these measures.GRAP is a tiered plan addressing air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), with four stages based on air quality levels: Stage I ('poor'), Stage II ('very poor'), Stage III ('severe'), and Stage IV ('severe plus'). This year, Stage III was enforced later than in 2023, when it was activated on November 2.(With ANI inputs)