As the Capital's air quality plunges into the 'very poor' category, authorities are tightening curbs on polluting vehicles in order to combat rising smog levels.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on Thursday directed agencies to strictly enforce a ban on the entry of commercial goods vehicles - except those that are CNG, LNG, electric, and compliant with BS-VI norms - into Delhi starting November 1. However, vehicles registered in Delhi will still be permitted to operate within the city.
"Considering the high pollution load from commercial vehicles and all associated ill effects of emissions from such vehicles entering Delhi, the commission directs a strict ban on commercial goods vehicles other than BS-VI, CNG, LNG, and EV from November 1," it stated.
The Transport Department, traffic police, Delhi government, and NCR States have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive.
The CAQM had earlier allowed BS-IV-compliant vehicles to enter the city till October 31 to ensure a smooth transition.
Elusive rain
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, air quality is expected to remain 'very poor' for the next six days, with low wind speeds (below 10 kmph) hindering the dispersal of pollutants.
The government's efforts to induce artificial rain through cloud-seeding trials have failed to bring relief. Two trials on Tuesday produced no rainfall, while Wednesday's attempt was cancelled due to inadequate cloud moisture. The Delhi government, working with IIT Kanpur, had hoped the experiment would help disperse pollutants.
The government on Thursday also announced that it is lifting the one-year limit on no-objection certificate (NOC) applications for deregistered vehicles, allowing owners to re-register them in other States. Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the move would offer relief to lakhs of vehicle owners and aid pollution control.
"This step will primarily benefit owners of diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old, enabling them to obtain NOCs and move their vehicles outside the NCR," Mr. Singh said.
The Minister added that the earlier one-year limit had left thousands of vehicles stranded, unable to be scrapped or relocated, worsening congestion and pollution in the city.