The Delhi government has enforced a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers starting Friday as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) to address the city’s escalating air pollution. A ₹20,000 fine will be imposed on violators, and they may face prosecution under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

The directive also prohibits the operation of Delhi-registered diesel Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) with BS-III or lower standards, except those transporting essential goods or providing critical services. Additionally, inter-state buses from NCR states that are not EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel will be barred from entering the city, except for those with an All India Tourist permit.

This decision follows the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) order for GRAP-III implementation in Delhi-NCR from 8 am Friday, aimed at improving air quality after the AQI reached the ‘severe’ category.

Measures under GRAP-III include:

• More frequent mechanized road sweeping.
• Daily water sprinkling with dust suppressants.
• Proper disposal of collected dust at designated sites.

All demolition work, excavation, boring, and transportation of demolition waste have also been banned to curb pollution.

The GRAP system classifies air quality into four categories: ‘poor’ (AQI 201-300), ‘very poor’ (AQI 301-400), ‘severe’ (AQI 401-450), and ‘severe plus’ (AQI above 450). Delhi saw ‘severe’ air quality early in November last year, compared to this year.

These new measures will supplement ongoing efforts by the government to improve air quality, including the 11-point action plan, which enhances road sweeping and water sprinkling in high-traffic areas and promotes public transport use.