Wednesday, November 08, 2023
By Kamal Swami
Ban On BS3 Petrol And BS4 Diesel Cars In Three More Cities
In response to severe air pollution levels over the past week, the satellite cities of Delhi – Gurugram, Noida, and Faridabad – have restricted the entry of BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel cars, in accordance with stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The administrative authorities have also announced significant fines for drivers violating this rule. Last week, Delhi also introduced restrictions on vehicular movement.
The national capital is set to implement the Odd-Even rule from the week following Diwali to further combat vehicular pollution. This rule will be enforced for one week, concluding on November 20. The extension of this vehicle rationing scheme will be determined based on pollution levels in the region. On Tuesday, Gurugram and Faridabad implemented the ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel cars. Gurugram's Deputy Commissioner, Nishant Kumar Yadav, said that violations of this ban would result in fines and legal action under Section 194 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. These orders are effective immediately and will remain in place until November 30 or until stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is lifted.
In Gautam Buddh Nagar district, also known as Noida, in Uttar Pradesh, a similar ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel cars has been enacted. Given that Delhi is currently under stage four of GRAP restrictions, trucks carrying non-essential goods from Noida are also barred, except for those powered by eco-friendly fuels like LNG, CNG, or electricity. Noida has additionally prohibited the operation of petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. The district's police authority has cautioned that vehicles found in violation of this rule will be seized under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Noida's police department has encouraged vehicle owners to turn off their engines at traffic signals to reduce pollution and has urged people to opt for bicycles or public transportation for short-distance travel whenever possible.
