Delhi Pollution: GRAP 3 Implemented, These Petrol And Diesel Vehicles Banned In Delhi-NCR

Delhi Pollution: Delhi's air quality hit a crisis point on November 11 (Tuesday), with the average AQI soaring to 425, breaching the 'severe' category threshold of 400 for the first time around 7 am. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) swiftly invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and neighbouring regions, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad. Consequently, GRAP III introduces stricter anti-pollution measures in addition to those already in effect under Stages I and II. These include bans on non-essential construction and demolition activities, suspension of mining operations, and restrictions on specific vehicles.

GRAP 3 in Delhi-NCR: Which Vehicles Are Prohibited?

Speaking of vehicular restrictions, the order issued by CAQM brings a ban on the following vehicles:

- BS-III Petrol and BS-IV Diesel LMVs (four-wheelers)
- BS-IV registered Diesel MGVs (goods vehicle)
- Inter-State buses from NCR regions other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel 
- Non-essential BS-IV Diesel LCVs (Good Carriers) registered outside Delhi

Also Read: Tata Curvv, Curvv EV Updated With New Interior And More Features; Prices Start At Rs...

GRAP 3 in Delhi-NCR: What It Means for Private Vehicle Owners?

If you drive a petrol vehicle (manufactured before 2010) or a diesel vehicle (manufactured before 2020) in Delhi-NCR under GRAP-3 restrictions, it is considered a violation. As a result, fines up to Rs 20,000 will apply. Similarly, BS-III petrol vehicle owners (pre-2010) should avoid driving in specified areas. Moreover, a valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate is mandatory for all private vehicle owners. Not having one could result in an additional fine of up to Rs 10,000.

GRAP 3 in Delhi-NCR: Which Vehicles Are Allowed?

In addition to BS VI-compliant (manufactured after 2020), CNG, and all-electric vehicles, vehicles used for essential or emergency purposes, as well as adapted vehicles for the physically challenged, remain exempt.