As the AQI remains very low, the Delhi government bans BS4 diesel and BS3 petrol vehicles until Friday in the Delhi-NCR region.

Vehicles used for emergency services, government, or election purposes are exempt.

Following the extreme deterioration in air quality in Delhi, the Delhi Government issued a circular prohibiting the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in the city. The Delhi Government's transport department issued the new circular after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) took action by implementing emergency measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The GRAP implementation sub-committee met on Sunday to review the regional air quality scenario, as well as forecasts for meteorological conditions and the Delhi air quality index, as air pollution became severe.

As per the directions provided under Stage III of the revised GRAP and Section 115 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, there shall be restrictions to ply BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (four-wheelers) in NCT of Delhi with immediate effect until December 9 or until downward revision in GRAP stage, whichever is earlier,

Vehicles used for emergency services, government, or election purposes are exempt. The Delhi Traffic Police has also warned that if any vehicle in this category is found to be in violation of the rules, the offender will face a Rs 20,000 fine.

However, if CAQM removes Stage II of the GRAP before December 9, the ban will be lifted. While such bans on older-generation vehicles may appear to be the order of the day, not everyone is pleased and eagerly awaits this move. The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters Association has announced that it will take to the streets of Delhi to protest the Aam Aadmi Party governments in Delhi and Punjab, causing massive traffic jams. According to members of this body, many tourists and taxis come to Delhi from Punjab, and by imposing such a ban, the Delhi Government intends to create a conspiracy to stifle the tourism industry.

An AQI of 201 to 300 is considered poor,301 to 400 very poor, and 401 to 500 severe. There are currently 3 lakh BS-IV diesel vehicles and 2 lakh BS-III petrol vehicles on Delhi's roads. According to the government, the ban imposed is disruptive, but it is only a short-term solution to the sudden increase in air pollution. These disruptive measures can be avoided by following a proper long-term action plan.

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