• Source:JND
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With the pollution level decreasing in Delhi, the old diesel buses of Uttarakhand Transport Corporation have been permitted to enter Delhi after the removal of the GRAP-4 ban. The Delhi government had imposed a ban on BS-4 category buses under GRAP-4 but as the AQI is improving, the restrictions have been relieved. Preparations have been started to send 194 buses of the corporation back to Delhi, which have been parked in various depots for the last 20 days.

The transport corporation officials have contacted the Delhi government regarding the same. It is expected that the bus operations will become smooth in the next few days.

Earlier on November 16, the Delhi government banned the entry of BS-4 category diesel buses by implementing the restrictions under GRAP-4 in view of pollution.

Amid restrictions, only BS-6, CNG, or electric buses were allowed to enter Delhi. As a result, out of 504 buses that regularly go to Delhi from all the depots of Uttarakhand, 194 buses were stopped. After the ban on the entry of old buses, the problems of the passengers increased.

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The latest order of the Supreme Court on Thursday brought a big relief to the Transport Corporation management. The Supreme Court has lifted the restrictions imposed under GRAP-4 in Delhi.

In a post on X on Thursday, the CAQM stated: "The Hon'ble Supreme Court, in its hearing today, based on the air quality data placed before it, observed and permitted CAQM to revoke Stage IV but not to go below Stage II of GRAP for the present."

"The subcommittee has decided to revoke Stage IV and Stage III of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect. GRAP Stages II and I, however, remain in force across the region," the post further read.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih permitted the authorities to downgrade from Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to Stage II and suggested incorporating certain measures from Stage III.

The bench clarified that GRAP III should be implemented if the AQI surpasses 350, and GRAP IV must be imposed if it exceeds 400.

(With inputs from the agency)