Delhi's air quality crisis has escalated to alarming levels, prompting authorities to implement stringent Stage-3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). With the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a hazardous 667 on Wednesday morning, the Delhi Police has released a comprehensive list of vehicles permitted to operate in the national capital.
What is GRAP-3 and Why Was It Implemented?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated GRAP Stage-3 on Tuesday as pollution levels in Delhi continued their dangerous upward trajectory. This 9-point action plan represents the third stage of emergency measures designed to combat severe air pollution when the AQI ranges between 401 and 450.
The decision came after Delhi's air quality plummeted to the 'hazardous' category, with Wednesday's 6 am reading showing an AQI of 667. A statement from CAQM clarified that the immediate implementation across the National Capital Region aims to prevent further deterioration of air quality given the ongoing pollution trend.
Complete Breakdown of Vehicle Restrictions
Under GRAP-3, several categories of vehicles face immediate restrictions in Delhi and surrounding NCR regions including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Prohibited vehicles include:
- BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (4-wheelers)
- Delhi-registered diesel medium goods vehicles of BS-III standard or lower
- Diesel light commercial vehicles of BS-III or below registered outside Delhi
- Inter-state buses from NCR states other than electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel variants
Vehicles permitted to operate include:
- Electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel inter-state buses from NCR states
- All India Tourist Permit buses and tempo travellers
- Adapted vehicles for physically challenged individuals
- BS-IV Delhi registered diesel medium goods vehicles carrying essential commodities
- BS-IV diesel LCVs registered outside Delhi carrying essential goods
Additional GRAP-3 Restrictions Beyond Vehicles
The pollution control measures extend far beyond vehicular restrictions. Authorities have imposed a complete ban on all dust-generating construction and demolition activities across Delhi.
Prohibited construction activities include:
- Demolition work and excavation activities
- Brick or masonry work and major welding operations
- Painting, plastering, and waterproofing work
- Tile cutting, grinding, and road repair work
- Transportation of construction materials and demolition waste
The Delhi Government has also shifted schools up to Class V to hybrid learning mode, while administrations across NCR have intensified mechanized road sweeping operations. All stone crushers and mining operations across the National Capital Region have been ordered to cease operations immediately.
Failure to comply with these restrictions will result in penalties as authorities intensify enforcement efforts to bring Delhi's pollution crisis under control. Residents and visitors are advised to verify their vehicle's compliance status before traveling to or through the capital region.
