Delhi has tightened vehicle movement rules as air pollution levels continue to remain in the severe category across the national capital and surrounding regions. From Thursday, December 18, only BS6-compliant vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi, effectively restricting the entry of all BS3 and BS4 vehicles registered outside the city.
The announcement was made by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who said the move is part of a series of emergency steps being taken to control rising pollution levels. He also warned of strict action against trucks carrying construction materials, stating that such vehicles will face heavy penalties and may be seized if found to be violating the new norms.
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No fuel at Delhi petrol pumps without PUC
In another significant step, petrol pumps in Delhi will deny fuel to vehicles that do not have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This rule will also come into effect from Thursday. According to Sirsa, fuel stations have been instructed to ensure compliance, and vehicles without a valid PUC will not be allowed to refuel.
{{/usCountry}}In another significant step, petrol pumps in Delhi will deny fuel to vehicles that do not have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This rule will also come into effect from Thursday. According to Sirsa, fuel stations have been instructed to ensure compliance, and vehicles without a valid PUC will not be allowed to refuel.
{{/usCountry}}Delhi has been witnessing persistent toxic smog over the past several weeks, leading to poor visibility, health advisories, and disruptions to daily life. Air quality across large parts of Delhi-NCR has remained in the severe category, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings crossing the 400 mark in multiple locations.
Grap stage IV implemented
As per official classification, AQI levels between 101 and 200 are considered moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, and anything above 400 is categorised as severe. In recent days, AQI levels in the region have come dangerously close to the ‘Severe Plus’ threshold.
In response to the worsening situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire NCR. Stage IV is triggered when AQI approaches or exceeds 450 and brings into force the strictest pollution-control measures.
(Also Read: Delhi Pollution: AI Cameras To Track PUCC Violations In Delhi, Fuel Ban For Non-Compliant Vehicles)
Which vehicles are restricted under GRAP Stage IV?
Under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the movement of BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles has been prohibited across Delhi-NCR, with exemptions only for vehicles deployed for essential and emergency services. These restrictions apply to all private vehicle categories. The curbs also apply to commercial transport entering the national capital.
Vehicles meeting BS6 standards, along with CNG- and electric-powered vehicles, are permitted to operate without restrictions during this period. Commercial vehicles powered by LNG, CNG, or electricity, as well as BS6-compliant diesel vehicles, are allowed entry.