No entry for dirty diesel: Delhi bans polluting trucks from November 1

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday announced a ban on the entry of polluting commercial vehicles into Delhi starting November 1, in a major move to curb deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma, who chaired the Commission’s 25th meeting, also approved strict measures against officials in NCR states found negligent in preventing stubble burning. District authorities in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have been empowered to initiate legal action against errant officials.

In accordance with a Supreme Court directive, only BS-VI, CNG, LNG, and electric goods vehicles will be allowed into Delhi from next month. As a transitional arrangement, BS-IV light, medium, and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi will be permitted until October 31, 2026. Enforcement teams have been instructed to ensure rigorous checks at all border points.

The CAQM also suspended its earlier order to deregister 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in NCR, following the Supreme Court’s stay on coercive actions against owners.

The meeting reviewed the winter action plans of Delhi and neighbouring NCR states, urging Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to intensify crop residue management efforts.

The Commission also acknowledged the Supreme Court’s order restricting the sale of green firecrackers to designated NCR areas between October 18 and 20, and limiting their use to specific hours on Diwali.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state pollution boards will monitor air quality from October 14 to 25, collecting sand and water samples from areas with heavy firecracker activity.

All agencies have been directed to strictly implement measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to mitigate air pollution during the winter months.
(With PTI inputs)