New Delhi, Nov 2: A sweeping ban on the entry of commercial goods vehicles not registered in Delhi and compliant only with BS-III or lower emission norms came into effect on Saturday, as authorities moved to curb rising air pollution in the national capital.
According to official data from the Delhi Traffic Police, more than 250 vehicles were turned back from the city’s borders on the first day of the ban. Of the 5,325 non-destined vehicles checked, 256 were denied entry, while 1,747 challans were issued for lack of valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
Joint teams from the Transport Department and Traffic Police have been stationed at 23 border locations, including Kundli, Rajokri, Tikri, Aya Nagar, Kalindi Kunj, Auchandi, Mandoli, Kapashera, and Bajghera toll (Dwarka Expressway), to enforce the restrictions.
Officials estimate that 50,000 to 70,000 vehicles currently operating in Delhi are below the BS-IV emission standard. However, there are no restrictions on the entry of Delhi-registered vehicles, BS-VI compliant vehicles, or those running on CNG, LNG, or electricity.
The ban follows an order issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on October 17, directing strict action against polluting vehicles entering Delhi from November 1. The move comes amid worsening air quality levels across the National Capital Region (NCR), where vehicular emissions remain a major contributor to smog. (Agencies)
