Delhi bars non-BS-VI vehicles from entering capital under GRAP-II as winter pollution curbs tighten

Delhi has barred vehicles that do not comply with BSVI emission standards from entering the national capital as part of its winter pollutioncontrol measures The Delhi Traffic Police has intensified checks at the citys borders to enforce the restrictions with vehicles being turned back and impounded during the enforcement driveTraffic police personnel conducted checks at the Singhu border following the implementation of the restrictions Similar enforcement measures are being carried out at other entry points to prevent noncompliant vehicles from entering the cityTraffic police checks over 7000 vehiclesThe Delhi Traffic Police checked 7279 vehicles on November 1 and turned back 714 vehicles while impounding 38 others officials saidSharing details of the enforcement drive the Delhi Traffic Police said Today on November 1 from 0000 hours to 2000 hours 7279 vehicles were checked Ten vehicles were challaned 714 were returned and 38 were impoundedThe checks were aimed at ensuring compliance with the prescribed emission standards and preventing vehicles that do not meet the requirements from entering DelhiCoordination with neighbouring districtsThe Delhi Traffic Police held a coordination meeting with officials from neighbouring districts on Sunday to strengthen the implementation of the restrictionsThe meeting focused on ensuring that enforcement measures are carried out effectively at Delhis border points particularly as pollution levels typically rise during the winter monthsTo raise public awareness the department has been using print media social media and radio campaigns Information boards have also been installed at Delhis borders while pamphlets are being distributed to inform motorists about the restrictionsDelhi reviews pollutioncontrol preparationsEarlier on October 25 Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa held a virtual meeting with traffic police officials from neighbouring National Capital Region NCR districts to review preparations for the coming monthsOfficials from Noida Faridabad Gurugram Sonipat and Bahadurgarh attended the meeting along with representatives of the Delhi Traffic Police and Transport DepartmentDiscussions focused on reducing traffic congestion near Delhis borders checking polluting vehicles and preventing buses that do not meet the prescribed emission standards from entering the cityThe Delhi Traffic Police informed the meeting that more than 10000 challans for traffic and pollutionrelated violations were being issued dailyOfficials also discussed action against overage petrol and diesel vehicles and the diversion of trucks not bound for Delhi through the Eastern and Western Peripheral ExpresswaysCleaner public transport and dustcontrol measuresUnder the applicable directions buses operating in DelhiNCR must run on electricity compressed natural gas CNG or BSVIcompliant dieselThe government is also expected to intensify mechanical road sweeping water sprinkling and other dustcontrol measures Additional enforcement teams will be deployed as pollutioncontrol restrictions are tightenedSirsa said tackling air pollution requires coordinated efforts from Delhi and neighbouring NCR districts He stressed the need for stricter vehicle checks smoother traffic movement and cleaner public transport to improve air quality during winter under Chief Minister Rekha Guptas leadershipGRAP measures follow deterioration in air qualityThe Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan GRAP across DelhiNCR on October 21 after the capitals air quality deteriorated to the poor categoryDelhis average Air Quality Index AQI rose to 244 at 2 pm on October 21 prompting the commission to direct agencies across the region to implement pollutioncontrol measures with immediate effectWith inputs from ANI