GRAP-III pollution curbs in Delhi, violators to face Rs 20,000 fines

In a bid to tackle worsening air pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi.
Starting Friday, the Delhi Transport Department will impose strict penalties on vehicles violating pollution norms, with fines set at Rs 20,000 for offenders.
Under the new rules, several categories of vehicles are barred from operating in the capital:
1. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (LMVs): Older cars and four-wheelers falling under these categories cannot ply in Delhi.
2. BS-III diesel medium goods vehicles (MGVs): Such vehicles registered in Delhi are banned unless they transport essential goods or services.
3. Diesel light commercial vehicles (LCVs) from outside Delhi: LCVs under BS-III standards or below cannot enter Delhi unless carrying essential commodities.
4. Interstate buses from NCR states: Only electric, CNG, or BS-VI diesel buses are permitted to enter Delhi, while those with All India Tourist Permits remain exempt.
The crackdown, enforceable under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, is aimed at reducing emissions from older vehicles that contribute significantly to poor air quality.
Delhi’s Transport Department said the measures strike a balance between environmental protection and essential services. These restrictions reflect the urgent need to curb air pollution and improve public health in the city.