The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced an exemption for individuals with disabilities (PwDs) under Stage III and IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). PwDs will now be allowed to drive their personally adapted vehicles, even if they fall under the restricted BS-IV diesel or BS-III petrol categories, provided they use them solely for personal purposes.
Delhi Pollution: BSIII, BSIV vehicle ban
This decision comes amidst a broader crackdown on older and more polluting vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles remain banned for the general public as part of measures aimed at curbing vehicular emissions, a significant contributor to Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. Violators of these restrictions face penalties of up to Rs 20,000 under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The Supreme Court has also weighed in, directing that Stage IV measures under GRAP remain in effect until at least December 2. However, schools have been exempted from these restrictions. Meanwhile, authorities have intensified efforts to enforce pollution norms. Over 2.7 lakh challans have been issued for Pollution Under Control (PUC) violations this year alone, marking the highest number in three years. Additionally, the Delhi Transport Department has impounded 2,234 overage vehicles between October 1 and November 15, including 260 diesel vehicles over 10 years old and nearly 2,000 petrol vehicles exceeding the 15-year age limit.
Despite the bans, vehicles running on CNG and electricity remain unaffected, reflecting the city's push towards cleaner alternatives. Petrol vehicles under 15 years old and diesel vehicles under 10 years old are also allowed to ply, provided they comply with the prescribed Bharat Stage emission standards.
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