Delhi-NCR Air Quality Worsens, Stage 3 GRAP Returns
The Commission for Air Quality Management has taken decisive action. It has reimposed Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi and the National Capital Region. This move comes as air pollution levels continue their dangerous climb.
Air Quality Dips Further
Earlier today, Delhi's Air Quality Index registered a worrying 368. This reading firmly places the capital in the 'very poor' category. It marks a clear deterioration from Friday's AQI of 354. The Commission implemented Stage 3 as a precautionary measure. Its primary goal is to prevent air quality from slipping into the 'severe' zone, which poses significant health risks.
Vehicle Restrictions Come Back Into Force
With GRAP Stage 3 now active, strict restrictions on vehicle movement are once again in effect. The rules create a clear divide between which vehicles can ply and which cannot.
Vehicles That Are Allowed:
- Owners of BS-IV compliant petrol cars can continue using their vehicles across Delhi-NCR. This applies regardless of whether the car is registered in Delhi or outside the capital.
- However, a crucial condition exists. The vehicle must possess a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate. Fuel stations have received strict instructions. They are not to dispense fuel to any vehicle lacking a valid PUCC, irrespective of its emission norms.
Vehicles That Are Banned:
- BS-III petrol light motor vehicles are now barred from plying across Delhi-NCR.
- BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles, including passenger cars, face the same prohibition.
These bans apply universally. They do not depend on the vehicle's place of registration or the availability of a PUCC.
Commercial Transport Faces Tighter Curbs
The restrictions extend well beyond private vehicles. Commercial transport operations are under increased scrutiny.
Delhi-registered diesel medium goods vehicles that comply with BS-IV standards or below are not permitted to operate within the capital during this GRAP phase. An exception exists only for vehicles transporting essential commodities or those providing essential services.
A similar rule applies to BS-IV diesel light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi. They are not allowed to enter the city unless they are carrying essential goods or are part of essential service operations.
Key Exemptions Remain
Despite the broad restrictions, certain exemptions are still in place. Vehicles specially adapted for persons with disabilities are allowed to operate. This permission is granted strictly for personal mobility purposes.
Authorities have also reinforced that construction-related vehicle movement remains heavily restricted. This is particularly true for vehicles carrying construction and demolition materials, which are major contributors to particulate pollution.
The return of Stage 3 GRAP underscores the persistent air quality challenge facing Delhi-NCR. Residents must now navigate the renewed vehicle bans as authorities work to curb the deteriorating pollution.
