Amid a sudden deterioration in air quality, authorities have implemented Stage 3 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. The decision, announced by the Commission for Air Quality Management, comes as the 24-hour average AQI touched 365 at 4 PM on Wednesday, indicating a "severe" pollution level. The worsening situation has been attributed to calm winds, smog, and low mixing height.
GRAP-III imposed in Delhi-NCR: Vehicle restrictions
As part of GRAP Stage 3, specific vehicle restrictions have been put in place. The use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers has been prohibited in Delhi and its surrounding NCR districts, with exemptions granted to persons with disabilities. Additionally, non-essential diesel-powered medium goods vehicles (BS-IV or older) are also barred from operating in Delhi.
Besides that, the Delhi government has been actively intensifying its drive against end-of-life Vehicles to ensure compliance with Supreme Court directives. Under this initiative, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years are deregistered. Government agencies can either scrap these vehicles or retrofit them with electric powertrain systems.
Always carry a valid PUC, else pay hefty fines!
Authorities are also cracking down on vehicles operating without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Driving without a PUC certificate now attracts a hefty fine of Rs 10,000.
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