Context:

The air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) recently worsened sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) entering the “Severe” category (401‑450) and in some pockets even higher. As a result, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) triggered Stage III of GRAP, i.e., GRAP‑3, across Delhi and neighbouring districts.

About GRAP‑3:

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat severe air pollution. It has four stages (I to IV) based on Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

·         Stage III is activated when the AQI crosses 401 or higher, indicating “Severe” air quality.
This stage mandates restrictions on vehicular movement, construction, and industrial activities to control pollution levels.

Under Stage III:

·         BS-III petrol vehicles and BS-IV diesel vehicles are banned from operating in Delhi-NCR.

·         These include light motor vehicles (LMVs) such as cars and two-wheelers.

·         Only electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel vehicles are permitted to operate.

In addition to vehicle restrictions:

·         Non-essential construction and demolition activities are suspended.

·         Transportation of dust-generating materials such as cement, sand, fly ash, etc., is prohibited.

·         Only projects of national importance or public interest (like hospitals or metro construction) may continue with precautions.

Exemption applied:

·         Vehicles used by physically challenged persons.

·         Emergency services vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, police, etc.).

·         Government and utility vehicles involved in essential services.

·         Goods vehicles carrying essential commodities (such as food, medical supplies, or fuel).

Penalties for violating the ban:

Owners of banned vehicles found operating during Stage III can face:

·         Hefty fines as per the Motor Vehicles Act and pollution control norms, which may range from ₹20,000 and above.

·         Vehicle impoundment for repeated violations.
Implementation will be strictly monitored across Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.

Significance of these Measures:

·        Vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution (especially older engines, diesel particulate matter, unfiltered emissions). Under severe pollution episodes, restricting older/higher‑polluting vehicles helps reduce part of the load.

·        In parallel, other sources like dust, construction/demolition, non‑approved industrial fuel use are addressed under GRAP‑3.

·        The restrictions are emergency/temporary measures to deal with acute air‑pollution episodes, not intended as permanent complete bans for all times.