According to an order by the Commission for Air Quality Management, Delhi-NCR roads can now not be used by diesel-powered BS4 cars or SUVs. Yesterday, the CAQM met in an emergency and implemented Stage 4 (GRAP) of its Graded Response Action Plan. Yesterday’s Delhi Air Quality Index reading was 458, which is in the ‘Severe Plus” category. All BS4 diesel vehicles, both commercial and private, are now banned from Delhi-NCR roads pending further orders from CAQM. However, both petrol and diesel-powered BS6-compliant vehicles can be used on Delhi roads.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned diesel cars older than 10 years from Delhi-NCR roads. The same ban is in place for petrol cars older than 15 years. The old ban stipulates that petrol and diesel vehicles must be scrapped at the age of 10 or 15. Owners may also sell the vehicles to Indians from other states before they reach the age limit.
The GRAP’s Stage 4 ban on BS4 diesel vehicles is only in effect until further notice. The CAQM will lift restrictions on the Delhi-NCR road use of BS4 diesel cars once Delhi-NCR’s air quality improves. These vehicles will be allowed to continue running on Delhi-NCR roads up until their 10th anniversary, once the CAQM lifts any ban on BS4 Diesel vehicles.
