GRAP Delhi vehicle ban from November 1: Which cars are allowed to enter, which are banned? You can find the full list here | Today’s news
As winter approaches, Delhi is gearing up to introduce measures to tackle air pollution. The restrictions, effective from November 1, include restrictions on the entry of certain vehicles and a ban on construction activities that generate dust.
Earlier this week, the Delhi Traffic Police shared a post on social media announcing which vehicles will be allowed and which may face restrictions under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). It also urged motorists to check the suitability of their vehicles before traveling and advised them to follow official traffic instructions.
Read also | GRAP-1 curbs imposed in Delhi-NCR as air quality deteriorates to ‘poor’
Vehicle restrictions in Delhi from November 1: All you need to know
According to the Delhi Traffic Police, the restrictions will apply to certain categories of vehicles to help reduce pollution and improve the capital’s air quality.
The development comes after the country’s capital has seen “poor” air quality for several days. However, overnight rain and thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday brought some relief to residents, with the air quality index (AQI) improving to “satisfactory” on Friday. On Saturday the AQI was at 106 at around 2pm, on Thursday it was 222 at 4pm when it was in the ‘poor’ category.
Vehicles that can travel in the capital under GRAP restrictions include BS-VI compliant vehicles, CNG vehicles, electric vehicles and tax-exempt vehicles, subject to applicable rules.
GRAP restrictions will apply to:
– Vehicles meeting emission standards lower than BS-VI
– Vehicles without a valid Pollution Control Certificate (PUCC)
– Interstate buses that do not comply with the rules
– Non-Delhi bound trucks that have to use the Peripheral Expressway
– Jugad tractors and vehicles, as per applicable rules
– Certain vehicles registered outside Delhi
PTI reported that more than a million vehicles coming from Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad will be affected by the Delhi government’s decision to restrict the entry of vehicles below BS-VI emission norms.
Check out more restrictions to curb Delhi pollution
Demolition and outdoor construction work that generates dust will be prohibited from November 1 to January 31, with exceptions for essential public infrastructure projects. Finishing, plumbing and electrical work on construction sites can continue provided dust control regulations are followed.
Officials said a complete ban on construction and demolition will be in place from December 20 to January 20, including internal work.
According to PTI, the Delhi government has also announced an increase in parking charges in a bid to curb pollution. Charges for parking in approved spaces will double from November 1 to February 28 to discourage the use of private vehicles. The order stated that parking facilities owned and managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation would remain exempt from the trip.
Read also | Delhi’s AQI has slipped into the ‘poor’ category since Wednesday.
Further, from November 1 to February 28, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices will operate from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, while government offices in Delhi will follow a 10:00 am to 6:30 pm schedule to ease peak congestion.
Government and private offices must limit attendance to 50 percent of employees between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31, with the rest working from home.
When will GRAP Stage I come into effect?
GRAP Phase I will come into effect in Delhi-NCR when the AQI reaches the ‘poor’ category, ranging from 201 to 300. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is implementing these measures to curb pollution from road dust, vehicle exhaust and open burning of waste.
At this stage, measures focus on controlling pollution at its source through dust management on construction sites and on roads, control of vehicle emissions and measures to limit industrial pollution.
