GRAP Phase IV: Delhi Bans BS-IV Diesel Vehicles, Amid Severe AQI

GRAP Phase IV implemented in Delhi

Under GRAP Phase IV, the operation of BS-IV and old diesel-powered medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) registered in Delhi has been banned, except for vehicles engaged in essential services.

Phase IV of GRAP is in force from 8:00 am on November 18 in response to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR.

Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday wrote to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav urging him to convene an emergency meeting with the Delhi government, IIT Kanpur and central government departments like DGCA, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Defence.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the immediate implementation of cloud seeding as an emergency measure.

What are Gopal Rai's comments?

"The time has come to conduct artificial rain to break the layer of haze. Last year, the Delhi government along with IIT Kanpur had explored cloud seeding as an emergency measure to induce rain and reduce air pollution during critical periods.

This year, we started preparations for cloud seeding in August, but despite several requests, no meeting has taken place yet. He emphasized that the layer of smog has to be eliminated to reduce pollution effectively.

"We are constantly working on it. We have banned BS-III petrol four-wheelers and BS-IV diesel vehicles.

Trucks and Diesel Buses also Banned

All trucks and diesel buses coming from outside Delhi have also been banned. Schools for classes 10 and 12 have been closed. There has been a change in office hours.

Regarding work-from-home measures, we are deliberating and will take a decision soon. We are implementing everything to the best of our ability and will continue to do so.

It is important to break down the layer of smog. On Monday, the Supreme Court directed Delhi and other National Capital Region (NCR) governments to strictly enforce GRAP Phase IV anti-pollution measures as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the "severe" category.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih also directed the Delhi-NCR states to immediately form teams to monitor and implement action under GRAP.

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