New Delhi: With the national capital’s air quality dipping further into the ‘very poor’ category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday, October 28, announced a ban on entry of non-BS IV commercial goods vehicles into Delhi from November 1. The move aims to tackle rising vehicular emissions that continue to choke the city’s air.
According to the CAQM order, BS-IV commercial goods vehicles registered locally will be permitted entry only till October 31, after which the restrictions will come into full effect. The decision aligns with Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) currently in force to curb air pollution levels.
The ban applies to light goods vehicles (LGVs), medium goods vehicles (MGVs), and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that fail to meet BS-IV emission standards. However, CNG and LNG-powered vehicles remain exempt, as they are considered environmentally cleaner alternatives. Locally registered heavy vehicles meeting at least BS-III norms are also allowed to operate within certain limits, officials said.
The CAQM stated that the restrictions are essential to reduce emissions from diesel-run heavy vehicles, which contribute significantly to the particulate matter concentration in Delhi’s air.
On Tuesday morning, Delhi woke up to a hazy skyline and poor visibility, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 305, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). On Monday, the city recorded an AQI of 301 at 4 pm.
Data from the Sameer App developed by the CPCB showed that 27 of the 38 monitoring stations in Delhi reported ‘very poor’ air quality levels, with Siri Fort recording the highest AQI at 351, followed by Wazirpur at 342.
Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, use public transport, and avoid open burning. With the winter season approaching, pollution levels are expected to rise further due to stubble burning in neighboring states and unfavorable weather conditions trapping pollutants close to the ground.
