• Source:JND
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Air Pollution In Delhi-NCR: The transport department of the Delhi government has ordered the ban of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (4-wheelers) in Delhi with immediate effect on Sunday. The order by the transport department will continue until further orders are placed. The order also states that the violation will lead to prosecution under Section 194(1) of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, which provides for a fine of Rs 20,000. 

"As per directions as provided under Stage III of the revised GRAP and under Section 115 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is hereby ordered that there shall be restrictions to ply BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (four-wheelers) in NCT of Delhi with immediate effect till further orders (except for vehicles deployed in emergency services, police vehicles and government vehicles used for enforcement)," the order said.

"If any BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (four-wheeler) found plying on road will be prosecuted under section 194 (1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which provides a fine of Rs 20,000," it said.

The order comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management, a statutory body responsible for forming air pollution reduction strategies for the region and their implementation, noted a significant rise in Delhi's AQI (458 and 457 at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively) due to unfavourable climatic conditions and local pollution sources. It decided to implement GRAP Stage-III curbs ('severe' air quality index range) immediately to prevent further deterioration.

GRAP is the Centre's air pollution control plan implemented in the region during the winter season. There are four stages in which it is divided. Stage I "poor" (AQI 201-300); Stage II "very poor" (AQI 301–400); Stage III "severe" (AQI 401–450); and Stage IV "severe plus" (AQI >450). 

(With input from agencies)