Smog Crisis Worsens in Delhi: BS3 Petrol and BS4 Diesel Cars Banned

Due to the escalating smog situation in Delhi, spurred by a constant enveloping of noxious air, the capital is likely to experience a substantial worsening of air quality to the 'Severe+’ category with the Air Quality Index (AQI) already exceeding the 450 mark. Responding to this situation of environmental urgency, the Commission for Air Quality Management or CAQM, has implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Stage 4 of CAQM's GRAP:

Under Stage 4 of the GRAP, most trucks have been banned in the Delhi NCR region. There is also a temporary halt to construction and demolition activities associated with public projects.

The preceding stage was enforced on November 2, which barred the operation of BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles, in an effort to mitigate the levels of air pollution in the Delhi NCR. With the average AQI consistently hovering above the 450 marker, the execution of the plan's fourth stage is now in full effect in the national capital.

Reasons for worsening air quality and measures taken:

Although the primary component fueling the dips in air quality is the dense smoke resulting from crop burning in the surrounding agricultural states of Punjab and Haryana, actions are being taken to reduce automotive pollution as well.

As per the updated stage of the emergency plan in effect since November 5, all truck entries have been prohibited, barring those critical for the delivery of essential goods or services and ones that use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or electric technology. This plan will extend till further updates are announced.

Further restrictions and regulations

Further stringent provisions of this action plan include a prohibition on all Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, unless they use CNG, electric power, or conform to the BS6 engines standard. This restriction also extends to LCVs carrying crucial goods or services. In addition, all non BS6 compliant diesel four wheelers have been temporarily banned in the Delhi NCR region.

Also incorporated in these measures is a complete suspension of construction and demolition activities pertaining to public projects. The Commission is continuously keeping an eye on the sporadic fluctuations in air quality in the national capital and will pronounce future strategic actions accordingly.

As an aside, the Delhi High Court has instructed that seized vehicles termed 'end of life’ should be released. Additionally, electric scooter sales surged past the 70,000 milestone in October, proving that cleaner, greener modes of transport are gaining popularity.

In conclusion, there seems to be no standalone solution to diminish emissions, according to Toyota. However, with the rigorous measures taken by CAQM and the shift of consumers towards electrically-powered vehicles, there are hopes that the wet blanket of pollution currently shrouding Delhi may gradually start to uplift.