The central government has lifted the restrictions imposed under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. Last year on December 22, in response to the worsening air quality in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) initiated actions under GRAP Stage-III. This decision was prompted by the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently falling into the 'Severe' category for several days.
However, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi's average AQI at 346 in its daily bulletin, which is below the Stage III-mark of the GRAP, hence the ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles has been lifted. Although, the measures outlined in Stage-I to Stage-II of the GRAP would persist, continuing to be enforced, monitored, and reviewed by all relevant agencies throughout the entire NCR.
What does it mean for BS-III Petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicle owners?With the GRAP Stage-III no longer in effect in response to the improved air quality, the restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers have also been lifted in the Delhi-NCR region. That said, the vehicle owners of the said categories are now allowed to take their vehicles out on the road without any further restrictions.
To confirm the same, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) account and posted "In light of the improved air quality in Delhi, Stage-III of the GRAP has been revoked. Therefore, the restrictions imposed on the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi are lifted with immediate effect until further orders."
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