Delhi's air quality has deteriorated dramatically, plunging into the 'severe' category and prompting immediate action from pollution control authorities. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has officially implemented Stage III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region.
What Triggered the Emergency Measures?
The decision came after Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) skyrocketed from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning, crossing the critical threshold that mandates Stage III interventions. This phase activates when AQI readings fall between 401 and 450, representing one of the most stringent levels of the emergency pollution control plan.
The primary objective of these measures is to aggressively combat vehicular and industrial emissions, which constitute major contributors to the capital's worsening smog situation. The restrictions specifically target high-polluting vehicles while maintaining essential services.
Vehicle Restrictions: What's Banned and What's Allowed
Under the new regulations, significant limitations have been placed on diesel vehicle movement. BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (LMVs) and BS-III petrol four-wheelers face complete operational bans within Delhi. The prohibition extends to BS-IV diesel light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, unless they're transporting essential commodities or involved in emergency services.
Additional restrictions include BS-IV diesel medium goods vehicles (MGVs) not carrying essential goods, and all BS-III and below commercial goods vehicles registered outside Delhi - even those transporting essential items are now barred from entering the capital. Non-destined goods vehicles are being systematically diverted at Delhi's borders to reduce traffic congestion and emissions within city limits.
Exemptions and Enforcement Measures
Despite the sweeping restrictions, essential and emergency services remain protected. Inter-state buses operating on electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel fuel continue to operate normally. Delhi-registered BS-IV diesel MGVs and LCVs carrying essential commodities also receive exemptions from the ban.
Special categories including vehicles adapted for persons with disabilities, government service vehicles, and those utilized by hospitals, utilities, sanitation departments, and law enforcement agencies are all excluded from the restrictions. The CAQM has directed authorities to intensify pollution norm compliance checks and ensure strict enforcement at all border entry points.
The implementation of Stage III GRAP underscores the critical nature of Delhi's air pollution crisis and represents the government's determined effort to mitigate the severe health and environmental impacts affecting millions of residents across the National Capital Region.
