Delhi Pollution Level: Delhi Declared a Gas Chamber: GRAP Stage-4 Imposed, Know New Rules or Face Rs 20,000 Fine

The national capital, Delhi, has once again been engulfed by severe air pollution, transforming it into what many are calling a "gas chamber. " The pollution levels have reached such dangerous heights that breathing has become difficult, posing a significant threat to public health. In response to these critical conditions, the Delhi government has promptly implemented the most stringent phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Stage-4. This decisive action aims to improve the air quality in. The capital and protect its citizens from the hazardous air. The new and extremely strict regulations, effective from Thursday, are mandatory for all residents and visitors to Delhi, while failure to comply could lead to hefty fines and even vehicle seizure.

Strict Restrictions on Vehicle Entry

Under GRAP Stage-4, unprecedented strictness is being enforced regarding vehicle movement in Delhi. The most crucial rule is the complete ban on the entry of all non-Delhi registered private vehicles that fall below BS-VI emission standards. This means that if your vehicle isn't BS-VI compliant and isn't registered in Delhi, you will be turned back at the city's borders. The objective of this restriction is to prevent older, more polluting vehicles from entering the capital, thereby contributing to an improvement in air quality. Only vehicles running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Electric Vehicles (EVs), and those adhering to BS-VI emission standards will be permitted to enter Delhi, while this measure is considered a vital step in controlling Delhi's alarming air pollution levels.

Mandatory Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: The 'No PUCC, No Fuel' Rule

The Delhi government has also introduced another critical and stringent rule for pollution control: the "No PUCC, No Fuel" policy, while according to this regulation, if your vehicle doesn't possess a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), you won't be able to refuel at any petrol pump. This rule is designed to ensure that every vehicle operating on Delhi's roads complies with pollution standards. Violating this rule can result in a hefty fine of up to Rs 20,000. To strictly enforce this policy, close monitoring will be conducted at 126 checkpoints across the capital, and over 537 police personnel will be deployed at petrol pumps, while this step is deemed essential to reduce vehicular emissions and enhance air quality.

Extensive Ban on Trucks and Commercial Vehicles

Under GRAP Stage-4, a complete ban has also been imposed on the entry of all types of trucks into Delhi. This restriction specifically targets heavy vehicles, which often run on diesel and are significant contributors to air pollution. However, vehicles involved in certain essential services have been exempted from this ban. These include vehicles supplying milk, water, fruits and vegetables, grains, medicines, medical oxygen, ambulances, fire services, LPG, and petrol-diesel. These services are considered crucial for public life, hence the exemption to ensure that daily life isn't severely disrupted. Also, BS-IV and below diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles, non-Delhi registered Light Commercial Vehicles. (LCVs), and BS-IV diesel buses will also be prohibited from entering and operating in Delhi. This measure aims to curb emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.

Strict Surveillance and Enforcement at Borders

Traffic police and transport department teams have been stationed at all Delhi border points to ensure strict adherence to GRAP Stage-4 regulations. These teams will conduct thorough checks of vehicles using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and on-ground inspections. Vehicles found violating the rules will be immediately diverted or sent back from Delhi's borders. The purpose of this stringent surveillance is to ensure that. No non-compliant vehicle enters Delhi, thereby helping to control pollution levels. This enforcement mechanism will ensure that rule-breakers aren't spared under any circumstances, reinforcing the government's commitment to improving air quality.

Promoting Public Transport and Alternative Solutions

With the restrictions imposed on private vehicles, a reduction in the number of vehicles on the roads is anticipated. To address this situation and facilitate commuter convenience, the Delhi Metro has increased the frequency of its trains, while this frequency will be further augmented if needed, to encourage more people to use public transportation. On top of that, the Delhi government is preparing to increase the number of electric buses and launch a car-pooling app. These initiatives aim to make public transport more accessible and attractive, encouraging people to reduce their reliance on private vehicles and thereby decrease pollution. This forms part of a long-term strategy to transform Delhi into a cleaner and greener city.

Other Comprehensive Anti-Pollution Measures

Beyond vehicle restrictions and the promotion of public transport, the Delhi government has also undertaken several other comprehensive measures to combat pollution. The number of mechanical road sweepers has been increased for road cleaning, effectively removing dust and debris, while water sprinkling arrangements have also been put in place to reduce airborne particulate matter. Concurrently, waste collection machines have been deployed to prevent the accumulation of. Garbage on roads, which often serves as a source of dust and pollution. In an innovative initiative, work has also commenced with IIT Madras on. 'smog-eating' surfaces, which will be capable of absorbing pollutants from the air. All these measures collectively form a multi-faceted approach to improve Delhi's air quality and provide a healthier environment for its citizens.