Delhi government bans older vehicles to combat pollution

The Delhi government, following the directives of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), has announced a ban on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (LMVs) within the city. Additionally, diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, with emission standards of BS-III or below, are prohibited from entering Delhi, except for those transporting essential commodities or providing essential services.

As Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) touched the ‘severe’ category at 411 on Friday morning, the government enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan



(GRAP).

Additionally, private construction and demolition activities were halted, and staggered office timings were announced for smoother traffic flow.

Staggered office timings to ease congestion

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi introduced new timings for government offices:

Central Government Offices: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Delhi Government Offices: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

MCD Offices: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved the staggered schedule but criticised the delay in implementing such measures, which were discussed in October’s DDMA meeting on pollution control.