Delhi Pollution: Ban on BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel cars extended. Return of odd-even?

Delhi Pollution: Ban on BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel cars extended. Return of odd-even?

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By: HT Auto Desk
, updated on: November 18, 2024, 09:56 am

  • To deal with the rising pollution levels, Delhi NCR is currently under GRAP Phase 4 which restricts the movement of certain vehicles.
Thick layer of smog on NH24 near Akshardham Temple in New Delhi. The national capital along with neighboring cities is under GRAP Stage 4 restrictions that ban movement of certain vehicles to reduce pollution levels. (HT_PRINT)

The ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars will continue in Delhi as the restrictions were extended to Stage 4 from Monday (November 18) under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle rising pollution levels in the Delhi NCR region. Has gone. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi has crossed the 450-mark for the first time this season and reached the severe plus category as heavy smog blanketed the entire region. GRAP Stage 4 will mean increased restrictions on vehicles, including private cars, that can ply in Delhi NCR during this phase.

The ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars was implemented last week when GRAP Stage 3 came into effect. These vehicles, which do not comply with the existing emission norms, will continue to be banned in the national capital. GRAP Stage 4 has extended the restrictions and now also bans the movement of non-essential commercial vehicles. Here's what is and isn't allowed during this phase, along with what to keep in mind while taking out your vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region from today.

Delhi pollution: Is your car allowed on the road?

GRAP Stage 4 restricts the movement of vehicles that do not comply with the existing emission norms. Under the guidelines, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars have been banned. However, petrol cars with BS-IV or above and diesel vehicles with BS-V or above certification will be allowed to run without any restrictions. If you have a CNG or electric vehicle, there are no restrictions on movement during this phase.

Also read: How to ensure your vehicle emits less and helps improve AQI – key steps and tips explained

Delhi Pollution: What will happen if you remove BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel cars?

Delhi Traffic Police has taken action against all vehicles flouting GRAP Stage 3 and Stage 4 guidelines. On Friday, when GRAP Stage 3 restrictions were imposed, police issued traffic challans to 550 BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. The total amount of the fine was more than One crore. Fine will be imposed for not following the current guidelines 20,000. Vehicles which are unfit to run on the road will also be confiscated. Till November 15, the police have seized more than 2200 overage vehicles. These include 260 diesel cars that are more than 10 years old and around 2,000 petrol cars and two-wheelers that are more than 15 years old.

Delhi Pollution: Important documents you should keep with you

Vehicles that are exempted from GRAP Stage 4 restrictions also need to be mindful of certain guidelines. It is necessary to have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to avoid fines. On Friday, Delhi Traffic Police had issued challans to 4,855 vehicles for not having valid PUC certificates. The fine recovered from these vehicle owners is almost equal to 4.8 crores. police will issue challan A fine of Rs 10,000 will be imposed on each vehicle for not having a valid PUC certificate.

Delhi Pollution: Will the odd-even rule return?

Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR have reached peak levels and have forced the state government to consider whether to implement the odd-even rule to further restrict vehicular movement. Agencies like the Indian Biogas Association (IBA) have urged the state government to bring back the rule to check pollution levels. IBA President Gaurav Kedia said, “We recommend implementing the odd-even rule for petrol and diesel vehicles in the coming months to see a positive impact on air pollution levels in Delhi and subsidies on EVs and CNG/ Can be given.” CBG vehicles, as it will force citizens to switch to green fuel options.'' Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will hold a meeting with all concerned departments on Monday to take a decision on this.

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First publication date: 18 November 2024, 09:04 am IST

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Ban on BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel cars amid Delhi pollution: Are you affected too?

Ban on BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel cars amid Delhi pollution: Are you affected too?

by with No Comment car updates

By: HT Auto Desk
, updated on: November 15, 2024, 10:54 am

Delhi has implemented phase three of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from November 15 as AQI continues to remain at severe levels in the city.

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Delhi has implemented Phase 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan, restricting vehicular movement in the national capital with a complete ban on certain types of cars. (HT_PRINT)

Are you planning to go to office in your car in Delhi today? Beware of vehicle restrictions coming into effect from Friday (November 15) as the national capital continues to be hit by severe pollution levels. The central pollution watchdog has implemented phase three of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle declining air quality index (AQI) levels in Delhi and imposed several restrictions on vehicles to reduce pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. Are.

Check here if your car is drivable and what kind of vehicle restrictions are in place in Delhi from today.

Delhi pollution: Vehicle ban begins – key things to know

Delhi has imposed vehicle restrictions from 8 am today. GRAP phase three will remain in effect in the city until pollution levels reduce to acceptable limits. During this phase, operation of polluting vehicles will be banned in the city. The restrictions apply not only to commercial vehicles like trucks and buses, but also to polluting private vehicles.

Ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars

For private vehicle owners who still drive BS-III petrol cars or BS-IV diesel cars, the city limits will be lifted these days. Delhi Traffic Police will strictly enforce the GRAP Stage Three guidelines and will take action against any vehicle violating the restrictions. The restrictions will be followed not only in Delhi but also in the surrounding areas like Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Those found violating the rules will have to pay fine 20,000. All other private vehicles having BS-IVE petrol and BS-VI diesel certification and above will be allowed to ply in the city without any restrictions during this period.

GRAP Phase III: Which vehicles are exempted from the ban

If you have a CNG vehicle or an electric vehicle, there will be no restrictions during GRAP phase three. This exemption has also been given to commercial vehicles like buses running on CNG or electric power. The order issued on Thursday (November 14) also said, “GNCTD (Delhi government) will impose strict restrictions on plying in Delhi, except Delhi-registered diesel-powered medium goods vehicles (MGVs) of BS-III standards or below . “Moving essential goods/providing essential services.”

Delhi Pollution: Carry valid PUC certificate or face fine

Vehicle owners who take their cars out from today will also have to carry a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate of their vehicles. Delhi Traffic Police has cracked down on vehicles without valid PUC certificate amid rising pollution levels in the city. Till October 31 this year, the police have issued challans to more than 2.70 lakh vehicle owners for violating traffic rules. Not having a valid PUC certificate may result in a fine 10,000.

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First publication date: 15 November 2024, 10:20 am IST

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Delhi motorists take note: These vehicles are banned temporarily. Here’s why

Delhi motorists take note: These vehicles are banned temporarily. Here’s why

by with No Comment Electric vehicles cars

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 22 Dec 2023, 19:22 PM

Pollution in Delhi NCR is increasing once again because of this the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has rolled out a new order that bans vehicles up to BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel four-wheelers. The air quality of Delhi NCR falls under the ‘Severe’ category which essentially means an AQI ranging between 4O1-45O. As of now, there is no timeline stated for the ban to be lifted.

Ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel cars has been implemented once again because of increasing AQI. (Photo by Sanchit Khanna/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)

The Sub-Committee observed that the AQI of Delhi on 22nd December witnessed a sharp increase. It stood at 4O9 and the committee says that it is only expected to increase a further 8 owing to the highly unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions reported/ predicted by IMD/ IITM.

The AQI categorises scores from zero to 500, with values between zero and 50 considered “good,” 51 to 100 labelled as “satisfactory”, 101 to 200 as “moderate”, 201 to 300 as “poor”, 301 to 400 as “very poor” and 401 to 500 as “severe”.

Apart from banning cars, GRAP has ordered a strict ban on construction and demolition activities in the entire NCR region. However, few activities are expected such as projects for railway services, airports, inter-state bus terminals, hospital/health care and metros. Projects and activities related to national security, public projects such as sanitation, highways, roads, flyovers etc. are also exempted.

Also Read : From West, with no love – India among regions likely to become dumping grounds for polluting vehicles.

Earlier, the Delhi government had planned to introduce the Odd-Even rule after Diwali when pollution spiked in the city. However, it postponed the plans after the Supreme Court termed the move as mere optics without much effect on pollution levels.

First Published Date: 22 Dec 2023, 19:04 PM IST


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Delhi govt postpones Odd-Even rule after Supreme Court questions efficacy

Delhi govt postpones Odd-Even rule after Supreme Court questions efficacy

by with No Comment Electric vehicles cars

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 10 Nov 2023, 15:07 PM

The Odd-Even rule in Delhi will not be implemented from November 13. Gopal Rai, Environment Minister of Delhi confirmed plans to postpone the scheme on Friday after the Supreme Court came down heavily against the vehicle rationing system. The apex court criticised the Odd-Even rule questioning its efficacy in bringing down pollution level. It said that the scheme will have minimum impact in efforts to curb pollution amid very poor to severe air quality index (AQI) in the national capital. The court has asked the Delhi government to take a call on whether to implement the Odd-Even rule at all.

Delhi government had announced that it will implement Odd-Even rule in the national capital from November 13 to help reduce pollution. However, it later said that the scheme’s implementation will depend on Supreme Court’s review of the vehicle rationing system. (HT Archive) (HT_PRINT)

On Monday, the Delhi government had announced that it will re-introduce the Odd-Even rule in the national capital after four years. The city is currently under grip of severe pollution and smog ahead of Diwali festivities. Anticipating that the air quality will worsen further, the state government had planned to relaunch the vehicle rationing system a day after the festival. However, while addressing a press conference today, Gopal Rai said, “Due to the rainfall last night, the AQI which was 450+ has now reached around 300. In view of this, the decision to implement the odd-even rule has been postponed. The situation would be analysed again after Diwali,” he said while addressing the media.”

Earlier today, the Supreme Court refused to entertain Delhi government’s submission that it will finalise the Odd-Even rule and its modalities, including vehicle exemption and timings, after the court’s order. “Don’t try to not perform and then shift the burden on the court,” the Supreme Court said today. “As per the report from amicus curiae, advocate assisting the court on the issue, odd-even does not help; it will have a minimal impact,” the Supreme Court bench added. The Supreme Court had earlier termed Delhi government’s move to introduce Odd-Even rule as an ‘optics’.

Also Read : After Delhi, Gurugram, Noida and Faridabad ban entry of BS3 petrol, BS4 diesel cars to check pollution

The Odd-Even rule was first introduced back in 2016. It was implemented in 2016, 20017 and 2019. Several studies have been published to determine the efficacy of the Odd-Even rule in effectively bringing down pollution levels. While the scheme helps to reduce vehicular traffic, especially passenger vehicles, it also promotes public transport. However, none of the studies show that Odd-Even rule has helped improve air quality by much in the previous instances.

Also Read : Over 1,300 vehicles fined in Delhi for plying without pollution certificates

The Odd-Even vehicle rationing system restricts private vehicles to operate on alternate days based on their registration numbers. For instance, registration numbers ending with odd numbers will be allowed to ply on odd dates. Cars and two-wheelers which have registration ending with even numbers will be allowed to ply on even dates.

First Published Date: 10 Nov 2023, 15:07 PM IST


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These are 5 ways you can contribute to reduce vehicle pollution

These are 5 ways you can contribute to reduce vehicle pollution

by with No Comment Electric vehicles cars

By: HT Auto Desk
| Written By: Deepika Agrawal
| Updated on: 06 Nov 2023, 16:19 PM

Delhi-NCR is covered with a thick layer of toxic air with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 400-mark over the last week. This has prompted the government to implement the final Stage 4 of its air pollution control plan, called the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Further, the odd-even vehicle rule has made a comeback to the city after four years.

Delhi government has implemented GRAP Stage 4 and odd-even rule to curb air pollution in the national capital.

Vehicular pollution is a major contributor to the PM2.5 levels, which worsen the air quality. In a bid to reduce this and bring in a significant impact, it is important for common people to step up alongside the government initiatives. Below are a few ways you can contribute towards reducing vehicular pollution:

1. Avoid using ICE vehicles for small distances

Often people take out their vehicles to visit even a nearby shop or other places whereas these distances can easily be covered by walking or using cycles. Along with avoiding emissions, you will also get done some physical activity, which is good for health.

2. Drive efficiently

It is important to get your car regularly checked and serviced for cleaner emissions. One must also keep vehicle pollution under check. A poorly maintained car/two-wheeler would be a huge source of higher amounts of pollution and therefore further contribute to worsening AQI.

3. Use public transport when possible

In the era of ever-increasing traffic and vehicular pollution, one must consider using public transportation, whenever possible. If there is a direct metro line or a direct bus route to your destination, consider choosing that over riding your ICE vehicle all alone. Lesser vehicles on road will mean lesser emissions, thus lesser pollution.

4. Choose car-pooling/ride-sharing

Along with being a good way to reduce the numbers of vehicles on road, car-pooling is also a cost-effective way of travelling. You could form a group of people who travel to the same destination everyday and use one car. This will help you divide the expenses as well as reduce vehicular pollution. Some cab aggregators also offer car-pooling options.

5. Avoid idling your car

You should consider turning off the engine of your vehicle when stuck in traffic or a waiting at a signal, as long as it is safe to do so. This not only reduces emissions but also saves fuel and increases your vehicle’s mileage.

First Published Date: 06 Nov 2023, 16:18 PM IST


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Delhi govt fines 162 four-wheelers violating GRAP III restrictions

Delhi govt fines 162 four-wheelers violating GRAP III restrictions

by with No Comment Electric vehicles cars

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 05 Nov 2023, 15:46 PM

The Delhi Transport Department’s enforcement teams on Saturday slapped a fine of ₹20,000 on the owners of 162 cars/ SUVs for violating GRAP III restrictions imposed in the city in the view of hazardous levels of air pollution prevailing. GRAP III stands for Graded Response Action Plan stage III restrictions, which include a ban on operation of BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel four-wheelers.

Commuters make their way along a road amid heavy smoggy conditions in New Delhi on November 5, 2023. (AFP)

Enforcement teams have been deployed across the national capital in shifts, with focus on 13 pollution hotspots – Rohini, Dwarka, Okhla, Punjabi Bagh, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, RK Puram, Bawana, Narela, Mundka, Mayapuri and Anand Vihar. As many as 84 such teams are spread across these areas for enforcement of restrictions related to four wheelers while 30 such teams are targeting two-wheelers round the clock.

Also Read : Delhi puts a ban on these vehicles. Check if yours is on the list

These enforcement teams are further being supervised by nine teams led by inspectors. Eighteen enforcement teams are deployed on border areas around hotspots to monitor overloaded trucks, heavy vehicles, and BS 3 and BS 4 light motor vehicles. Additionally, sixteen other teams are working in shift of 4 PM to 12 AM, to tackle the congestion due to inter-state buses and other vehicles at major choke points.

Further, 41 teams have been deployed on identified 22 stretches of the Inner Ring Road and Outer Ring Road in two shifts to monitor and catch offending vehicles while 39 motorcycle patrolling teams have been deployed from 9 AM to 6 PM for enforcing PUCC violations.

Amid the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, only BS 4 emission standards-compliant light motor vehicles, electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, including buses are allowed to ply on the national capital’s roads. So far, 301 overloaded trucks have been impounded while 3,683 vehicle owners have been challaned for not having pollution under check, as per the officials.

Additionally, 340 buses were impounded for different violations and 4,031 challans were issued to owners for parking violations.

(with inputs from PTI)

First Published Date: 05 Nov 2023, 15:44 PM IST


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With pollution spiked, Delhi to see return of Red Light on, Gaadi Off campaign

With pollution spiked, Delhi to see return of Red Light on, Gaadi Off campaign

by with No Comment Electric vehicles cars

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 26 Oct 2023, 16:20 PM

Delhi is all set to see the return of ‘Red Light on, Gaadi Off’ campaign this season as pollution level in the national capital continues to increase ahead of Diwali festival. Gopal Rai, Environment Minister of Delhi said that the state government is planning to bring back the campaign that aims to reduce vehicular pollution in the national capital region. Delhi and the neighbouring region have already implemented the Graded Response Action Plan or GRAP to reduce polluting vehicles from plying in the city. The government plans stricter action in coming days to keep pollution under check.

Volunteers hold placards at a traffic point as part of the Delhi government’s Red Light On, Gaadi Off campaign to reduce pollution level in the national capital, at ITO. (File photo) (ANI)

The ‘Red Light on, Gaadi Off’ campaign was first launched in 2020 to reduce vehicular pollution as part of the15-point action plan to curb air pollution in Delhi. Earlier, before Covid years, Delhi government resorted to odd-even scheme under which private vehicles with registration plates ending in odd and even numbers were allowed to ply on every alternate days to reduce pollution.

Speaking on bringing back the ‘Red Light on, Gaadi Off’ campaign, Gopal Rai said, “One of the major causes of pollution in the national capital is traffic. To reduce the overall pollution in Delhi, we’ve had to decrease the vehicle pollution. Thus, we are introducing a ‘Red Light on, Gaadi Off’ campaign to create awareness among the public to curb vehicle pollution. In the next phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), eco-friendly bus service will be started. The work to introduce this bus service has already begun.”

The ‘Red Light on, Gaadi Off’ campaign promotes saving precious fuel as well as keep pollution levels in check. Drivers are encouraged to turn off their engines while waiting at traffic signals.

The national capital recorded ‘poor’ air quality on Thursday with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 256. According to SAFAR-India, the air quality around Delhi University recorded ‘very poor’ clocking 316 AQI in the morning. Noida, Delhi’s neighbouring satellite city, recorded ‘poor’ air quality with AQI hovering at 269 while Gurugram was ‘moderate’ at 176 AQI.

First Published Date: 26 Oct 2023, 16:20 PM IST


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