highlight
- BS-4 diesel and BS-3 petrol vehicles will be able to run in Delhi from November 14
- The restrictions imposed on vehicles ended on November 13 amid rising pollution levels.
- Delhi government official said there is a meeting on November 14 to discuss what needs to be done
Delhi Air Pollution: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheeler owners will now be able to take their vehicles out on Delhi roads as the restrictions imposed on them amid rising pollution levels ended on November 13. However, a Delhi government official said a meeting will be held on Monday (November 14) to decide whether the restrictions should continue or not.
“The restrictions were till November 13 and they have not been extended yet. The AQI (air quality index) in the city has been stable in the last four days. There is a meeting tomorrow to discuss what needs to be done,” he said. .
During a review meeting last week, the Delhi government’s transport department decided that the restrictions under phase three of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) should remain in place for the next few days instead of a knee-jerk reaction.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai had said on Monday, “There will be a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi under the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan.”
In an earlier order on Monday, the Transport Department had said that anyone found driving a vehicle in violation of the rule would be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicles Act, which could attract a fine of Rs 20,000. Vehicles deployed for emergency services and government and election related functions are not covered under the ban.
The Transport Department in its order had said, “As per the instructions given under Phase III of the amended GRAP, there shall be a ban on plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (four wheelers) under the jurisdiction of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The above instructions will remain in force till November 13 or downward revision in GRAP phase, whichever is earlier. If the CAQM orders restrictions on GRAP-III and above, the restrictions will continue beyond November 13.”
(with inputs from agencies)
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