Delhi's battle against air pollution intensifies: BS-III light commercial vehicles, non-CNG buses to face entry ban

New Delhi: Inter-state buses from NCR states using non-cleaner fuels and BS III or below light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside the capital will not be allowed to enter Delhi if stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under 'severe' air quality is in effect. This is one of the changes in the revised GRAP, which will be implemented starting this winter season.
Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas (CAQM), which enforces GRAP, issued an order dated Sept 17 outlining modifications to GRAP ahead of winter.Under stage III of GRAP, when the AQI exceeds 400, inter-state buses from NCR states — except electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, or BS-VI diesel buses — will be prohibited from entering Delhi (with exceptions for buses or tempo travelers operating under an All India Tourist Permit).
Previously, there were no restrictions on the movement of LCVs and Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) during stage III of GRAP. These vehicles were only restricted under stage IV, when air quality reached 'severe plus' levels with an AQI above 450.
Additionally, under stage II of GRAP, when air quality falls into the 'very poor' category, there will be no restrictions on diesel-generator (DG) sets of 62kVA to less than 800kVA operating on dual-fuel mode.
Restrictive actions under stages II, III, and IV of GRAP will be enforced at least three days before the AQI is projected to reach the respective levels, based on forecasts from Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology IMD.