BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel cars along with commercial vehicles running on diesel were banned from plying in the national capital since November 15 du

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Vehicles move through traffic congestion in New Delhi as air quality improved to moderate on Thursday (December 5). The vehicle ban under GRAP Stage 4 is likely to be removed after the Supreme Court allowed restrictions to be relaxed according to Stage 2 norms. (PTI)

BS-3 petrol and BS-4 vehicle ban in Delhi is likely to be revoked after the air quality index (AQI) improved in the national capital today. The Supreme Court has allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a body set up by the Centre to monitor pollution levels, to relax the restrictions under current pollution situation in Delhi-NCR. The national capital has been under the grip of high pollution levels forcing CAQM to implement Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restricting movement of certain types of vehicles. The top court has asked the commission to implement GRAP Stage 2 with caution.

The ban on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles in Delhi were implemented on November 15 when the CAQM decided to escalate GRAP measures to Stage 3. Under this norm, no private vehicles with old emission norms like BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel were allowed to ply on the road of the national capital. The vehicle restrictions were also extended to commercial vehicles running on diesel.

The vehicles that are exempted from the ban are EVs, CNG vehicles and vehicles under essential services. Last week, the CAQM had relaxed the BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicle ban partially by allowing only commuters with disability to use them under GRAP stage 4.

Delhi pollution: What did Supreme Court say to CAQM

During the hearing of a plea on Delhi pollution crisis, the Supreme Court allowed the CAQM to relax restrictions under GRAP measures. The top court said that the CAQM should implement the Stage 2 of the restrictions, but with caution. It also suggested the CAQM to keep some of the GRAP Stage 3 restrictions on even during the stage 2 of the GRAP. Earlier, during the hearing, the commission had told the court that it plans to reduce GRAP measures to no less than Stage 2 after air quality improved in the national capital.

Delhi Pollution: Can you drive your BS-3 petrol, BS-4 diesel cars now?

The CAQM has not issued any statement explaining what Stage 3 measures it will keep under GRAP Stage 2. One will have to wait for CAQM’s detailed response to see if the vehicle ban will be removed in the next phase of action. Violating the GRAP norms by plying BS-3 petrol or BS-4 diesel cars could lead to a traffic fine of ₹20,000. It is also important to note that to avoid scrutiny, vehicle owners should also carry a valid Pollution Under Control certificate, failing which one may have to pay a fine of ₹10,000.

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First Published Date: 05 Dec 2024, 17:46 PM IST