In response to the worsening air pollution situation in Delhi-NCR, the Centre banned the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the region on Friday. The AQI in Delhi has been steadily declining, with readings of 397 and 409.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a governmental agency authorised to develop pollution management plans, reintroduced provisions from the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III. The CAQM also prohibited non-essential building, stone crushing, and mining in Delhi-NCR.

Ban On These Cars In Delhi-NCR

The Delhi and neighbouring state governments will now impose tight restrictions on the use of specific types of automobile fuel. In Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, automobiles using Bharat Stage III petrol and Bharat Stage IV diesel are restricted.

BS 3 and 4 are emission standards specified by the government to control the pollutants released by cars. These rules define the allowable quantities of pollutants in vehicle exhaust such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons.

Since then, India has moved to even stricter requirements, shifting to BS6 (Bharat Stage 6), which ensures automobiles emit much less pollutants. GRAP is the regional air pollution control strategy conducted by the central government throughout the winter season.

GRAP divides acts into four stages: ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300), ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400), ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450), and ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI>450).

What Should You Do When Delhi-Ncr Air Pollution Worsens?

The CAQM advised individuals in the NCR to actively assist in the effective implementation of GRAP measures by doing the following:

For short distances, choose walking or cycling.
Choose cleaner modes of transportation, such as ride-sharing or public transportation.
Those having work-from-home flexibility are urged to use it if possible.
Avoid heating with coal or wood.
Individual homeowners are encouraged to provide their security guards with electric heaters to avoid open burning throughout the winter.
Combine errands to minimise unnecessary trips.