Delhi Imposes Strict Vehicle Restrictions to Combat Severe Air Pollution

In response to escalating air pollution, Delhi has enforced stringent rules through the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Fuel will be dispensed only to vehicles with a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate. Trucks carrying construction materials are banned, and non-compliant vehicles face penalties under GRAP Stage IV conditions.

With air pollution levels rising in the Delhi-NCR region, teams from Transport Enforcement have ramped up their checks on vehicles, following the Supreme Court's directive. The Supreme Court granted permission for the Delhi government to take measures against vehicles not meeting the BS IV emission standards.

Under new directives issued by the Department of Environment and Forests, fuel stations are now instructed to serve only those vehicles that present a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This is to prevent vehicles operating below the BS-VI standards from entering the city, particularly during the harsh GRAP Stage IV conditions, which necessitate severe control measures on pollutants.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated GRAP Stage IV, mandating these restrictions. Penalties await those violating these newly enforced rules, underlining the gravity of the pollution crisis in the capital.

(With inputs from agencies.)