Delhi’s vehicle owners can now breathe a sigh of relief as the restrictions on BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel cars were officially lifted on Friday night. The decision came after heavy rainfall throughout the day helped reduce pollution levels and improved the Air Quality Index in the national capital.
The restrictions were initially enforced on December 16 under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). With the pollution levels dropping significantly, the measures were scaled down to Stage 3 and later withdrawn entirely.
This marks the second time in recent months that restrictions on BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel vehicles were imposed due to deteriorating air quality. In November, similar measures were enforced for two weeks as pollution levels spiked, making them necessary under GRAP regulations.
GRAP, a dynamic framework, activates restrictions based on the severity of pollution. Stage 3 and 4 measures, implemented when the AQI exceeds 350, include curbs on non-essential BS 4 diesel vehicles and restrictions on private BS 3 petrol and BS 4 diesel cars.
It is important to note that even with the lifted ban, certain restrictions remain. Diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol cars older than 15 years are still prohibited on Delhi roads. Owners must ensure they carry a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to avoid penalties. Failing to produce a PUC certificate could result in a fine of Rs 10,000, with additional risk of vehicle impoundment.
