Delhi NCR Air Quality Drops As GRAP Three Restrictions Ban Older Cars

Bad air quality across the capital region has pushed authorities to enforce strict limits under the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan, known as GRAP-3. Air quality index levels have crossed the four hundred mark in multiple areas as pollution levels keep rising.

Driving Bans

The new rules ban several categories of older and high emission vehicles from roads in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. Authorities have prohibited BS-3 petrol cars and BS-4 diesel cars from running in Delhi, Noida, and Greater Noida.

Allowed Vehicles

Drivers of BS-6 petrol and diesel cars can still use their vehicles without facing restrictions. Exemptions also apply to BS-4 petrol cars, BS-3 and BS-4 petrol bikes and scooters, along with all CNG and electric vehicles. Specially modified vehicles used privately by persons with disabilities are also kept out of the ban.

Goods Transport

The rules target commercial and transport carriers with heavy restrictions. Diesel light and medium goods vehicles from outside states that meet BS-4 standards or lower standards cannot enter Delhi. Authorities have also removed exemptions for certain goods carriers that previously transported essential items.

Context

Measures like GRAP-3 are emergency steps activated when air pollution reaches hazardous levels to prevent further damage to public health. These restrictions typically target high-polluting transport sources to reduce toxic emissions during stagnant weather conditions.