BS6 Only or Turn Back! Non-Compliant Vehicles Stopped at Delhi Borders, MLA’s Car Fined

Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: Only BS6 Vehicles Allowed Entry; Pre-April 2020 Registered Cars Barred

The Delhi government has taken a major step. This aims to improve the city’s poor air quality. New vehicle regulations are now strictly enforced city-wide starting today, Thursday, December 18. Vehicles lacking a BS6 engine are being stopped right at the Delhi borders. Delhi Police is urging people to turn back. BS5, BS4, and BS3 vehicles are not permitted to enter Delhi.

BS6 Mandatory for Delhi Entry

The Rekha Gupta government found an easy fix. It is controlling vehicles to manage the AQI. Delhi’s air quality is currently in an ’emergency mode.’ Do not plan a trip to Delhi if your vehicle lacks a BS6 engine. Outside-state registered cars that are not BS6 compliant are barred from the capital today. Commuters from Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram are facing trouble.

What Does BS6 Compliance Mean?

Consider your car ‘history’ if bought before April 1, 2020. Vehicles registered outside Delhi and purchased before this date are now considered scrap. This is according to the new Rekha Gupta government order. This applies even if the car is new, the engine is fine, or the EMI is ongoing.

MLA Sticker Car Issued a Fine

A car with an MLA sticker was fined today. The police issued the challan under GRAP-4 regulations. The driver claimed he was fetching Ravi Sharma, a Jhansi MLA. However, the police cited the rules. They sent the driver back without entry.

‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule Also Implemented

The government is tackling worsening air quality with new steps. Vehicles without a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not get fuel. Petrol pumps are not dispensing fuel to non-compliant vehicles. This is enforced using automated ‘number plate reader cameras.’ Pumps also use ‘voice alerts’ and police assistance. Thus, cars without a valid PUC will not get petrol. This means ‘No PUC, No Fuel.’ 580 police personnel are deployed at 126 checkpoints. These include Delhi’s borders. Transport department enforcement teams are also at petrol pumps and border posts. They ensure effective implementation.

Exemptions to the New Rules

The entry restrictions do not apply to certain vehicles. CNG or electric vehicles are exempt. Public transport is also allowed. Vehicles carrying essential goods or services are permitted. However, vehicles transporting construction materials are banned. This falls under the GRAP-4 restrictions.

Air Quality Not Expected to Improve Soon

The air quality will likely remain ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ for the next 6 days. This is according to the Air Quality Early Warning System. The news comes from a PTI report. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data shows improvement. Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 334 on Wednesday. This is better than Tuesday’s 354.