Again Delhi Bans BS3 and BS4 Vehicles as AQI Hits

a photo of the delhi skyline with a red sky due to delhi bans bs3 and bs4 vehicles as aqi hits

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Delhi’s Ban on BS3 and BS4 Vehicles: Impact, Rules, and FAQs

Latest about Delhi’s temporary ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles due to hazardous air pollution levels. Know the reasons behind the restrictions, penalties for violations, exempted vehicles, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help residents navigate the situation effectively.

Why Did Delhi Ban BS3 and BS4 Vehicles?

a photo of a road in delhi with many vehicles delhi bans bs3 and bs4 vehicles as aqi hits

Delhi implemented a ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles due to deteriorating air quality in the city. This measure was part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III, which is enforced when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches hazardous levels. Recent reports indicated that AQI in some areas of Delhi reached over 800, leading to concerns about public health.

Key Points About the Ban

Scope of Ban: The restrictions applied to BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles across Delhi and its neighboring regions, including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad.
Penalties: Vehicle owners found violating the ban face fines of up to ₹20,000.
Exceptions: Emergency and essential services vehicles, including ambulances and government vehicles, were exempted from these restrictions.

Additional Pollution-Control Measures

The government also introduced complementary measures to combat air pollution:

School Closures: Primary schools were temporarily shut down.
Construction Halt: Non-essential construction activities were suspended.
Truck Entry Ban: Entry of diesel trucks into the city was restricted.
Odd-Even Scheme Proposal: Although planned, this was delayed after criticism for limited effectiveness.

a photo of delhi s skyline with a hazy atmosphere delhi bans bs3 and bs4 vehicles as aqi hits

Latest Updates

After light rainfall and improved AQI levels, the restrictions on BS3 and BS4 vehicles were lifted. However, other GRAP measures at Stage I and II remain in place to ensure air quality does not worsen again. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, ready to reintroduce restrictions if needed.

What Does This Mean for Residents?

For Delhi residents, these measures highlight the urgency of tackling pollution and the role individual actions play, such as maintaining Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and supporting cleaner vehicle options like EVs.

Here’s a list of vehicles that fall under the categories of BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel, which were impacted by the temporary ban in Delhi due to high pollution levels. Keep in mind that BS3 and BS4 vehicles refer to older-generation vehicles with less stringent emission controls than BS6 models:

a photo of a long line of vehicles on a road the delhi bans bs3 and bs4 vehicles as aqi hits

Common BS3 Petrol and BS4 Diesel Vehicles

Cars

Maruti Suzuki
- Swift (pre-2017 models)
- Alto (older models)
- Dzire (BS3 and BS4 versions)
Hyundai
- Santro (older models)
- i10 and i20 (pre-2019 models)
- Verna (BS4 models)
Tata Motors
- Indica (BS3 and BS4 models)
- Safari Storme (BS4)
Mahindra
- Bolero (BS4 models)
- Scorpio (older BS4 models)

Two-Wheelers

Hero MotoCorp
- Splendor (BS3 versions)
- Passion Pro (BS3)
Honda
- Activa (BS3 models)
- CB Shine (BS4)
Bajaj
- Pulsar 150 (BS3 and BS4)
- Platina (older models)

Commercial Vehicles

Ashok Leyland
- Trucks and buses manufactured before 2017.
Tata Motors
- Tata 407 (BS3 versions).

How to Identify BS3/BS4 Vehicles?

Check your registration certificate (RC) for emission norms.
Vehicles manufactured before April 2020 are likely to be BS3 or BS4 models.

For further details on specific models or regulations, consult local authorities or your vehicle manufacturer.

FAQs:

1. Why were BS3 and BS4 vehicles banned in Delhi?

The ban was implemented under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) when air pollution in Delhi reached hazardous levels. These older vehicles contribute significantly to emissions and were restricted to curb air pollution.

2. Which vehicles are affected by the ban?

BS3 Petrol: Vehicles registered under Bharat Stage 3 norms.
BS4 Diesel: Vehicles compliant with BS4 norms but older than the current BS6 standard.
Both private and commercial vehicles in these categories are impacted.

3. What are the penalties for violating the ban?

Violators face a fine of up to ₹20,000, along with potential vehicle impounding in case of repeat offenses.

4. Are there any exemptions?

Yes, the following are exempt:

Emergency vehicles (e.g., ambulances, police vehicles).
Public transport vehicles running on CNG or electric power.
Vehicles used for essential services.

5. How long will the ban last?

The restrictions are typically in effect until pollution levels improve. Authorities monitor AQI daily to decide on lifting or extending the ban

6. What alternatives are available for commuters?

Use public transport such as buses or the metro.
Switch to carpooling or BS6-compliant vehicles.
Opt for cleaner alternatives like electric vehicles (EVs).

7. Can the odd-even rule be implemented alongside this ban?

The odd-even scheme is another pollution control measure but was not implemented in this instance. The government may introduce it if pollution persists

For more information and updates, visit the Delhi government’s pollution control website or consult local traffic authorities.