In a drastic move to combat the capital's persistent and hazardous air quality, the Delhi government has announced stringent restrictions on vehicular movement. The city will now bar the entry of vehicles from outside its borders that do not comply with the latest BS-VI emission norms.
New Entry Rules for Vehicles
Delhi Environment Minister Sirsa declared that only BS-VI compliant vehicles from other states will be permitted to enter the national capital starting Thursday, December 18, 2025. This decision, announced on December 16, comes as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to languish in the 'severe' category, posing significant health risks to its residents.
The ban effectively blocks a large number of older vehicles running on BS-IV or lower emission standards from other states from plying on Delhi's roads. This is part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures that are activated during periods of intense pollution.
Context of the Severe Pollution Crisis
The announcement underscores the severity of the winter pollution emergency that grips Delhi and the National Capital Region annually. Despite various measures, a combination of factors like calm winds, low temperatures, and external pollution sources has led to a dangerous accumulation of pollutants.
The transport sector is a major contributor to the city's pollution load, and restricting the inflow of more polluting vehicles is seen as a critical step. The government's focus is squarely on curbing emissions from diesel and petrol vehicles that do not meet the cleanest fuel standards currently available in India.
Implications and Expected Impact
This restriction is expected to have wide-ranging implications:
- It will impact inter-state travel and commercial goods transportation reliant on older vehicle fleets.
- Residents of neighboring states who commute daily to Delhi for work will need to ensure their vehicles are BS-VI compliant or seek alternative transport.
- Authorities are likely to set up checkpoints at major entry points to enforce the ban.
Minister Sirsa's directive is a clear signal that the government is escalating its response to the public health crisis. The move aims to provide immediate relief by reducing the influx of vehicular pollution, which combines with other local sources to create the toxic smog blanket. The success of this measure will depend heavily on strict enforcement and public cooperation. As this is a breaking news development, further details regarding exemptions, if any, and the duration of the ban are awaited.
