CAQM Revokes Ban on BS3 Petrol, BS4 Diesel Cars After AQI Improves

• Published On: 3 January 2024
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The CAQM is a statutory body responsible for formulating necessary strategies to tackle spiked pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.

The state government has lifted a ban imposed on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel cars in Delhi after the improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) last month. The state government put a full stop on the entry of these commercial and passenger vehicles last year under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to curb vehicular pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Owners of BS4 Diesel and BS3 Petrol vehicles can now breathe easy as the AQI levels have improved, and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has finally revoked the ban that was implemented on December 22, 2023. The ban was imposed because the AQI levels ranged between 401-450 in Delhi and slipped into a severe category for many days. The government imposed a ban on these vehicles twice last year.

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The decision came on Monday after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) removed restrictions under stage 3 of GRAP in Delhi. The CAQM is a statutory body that was formed under the Commission for Air Quality Management in the capital city and adjoining areas. The organization is responsible for formulating necessary strategies to tackle spiked pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.

On January 1, the CAQM held a meeting to discuss the air quality scenario in the region. The body observed the forecast reports by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for meteorological conditions.

The Transport Minister of Delhi, Kailash Gahlot, wrote on social media that, “In light of the improved air quality in Delhi, Stage III of the GRAP has been revoked. Therefore, the restrictions imposed on the plying of BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel LMVs (4-wheelers) in Delhi are lifted with immediate effect until further orders."

Similar steps were taken in November 2023 as well. During this period, the traffic police were strictly asked to check vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Car owners who were found violating the rules were fined INR 20,000. According to data released by the state government, vehicles are responsible for 36 percent of overall pollution in the nation's capital.