Delhi NCR reinstates BS3 and BS4 car ban amid escalating pollution levels

New Delhi, December 23: Following the deterioration of Delhi NCR's Air Quality Index (AQI) into the severe (401-450) category, Kailash Gahlot, Delhi's Transport Minister, announced the reinstatement of GRAP III restrictions, prohibiting BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel cars from operating on the roads of Delhi NCR.

This reintroduction of restrictions under GRAP III comes into effect from December 22, 2023, until further notice. However, emergency service vehicles, police vehicles, and government enforcement vehicles are exempted from this ban. Vehicles found in violation of these restrictions may face a fine of Rs 20,000 under section 194 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi NCR had previously issued a statutory directive last month, laying out the revised schedule of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to be enforced as AQI conditions necessitated.

The decision to invoke GRAP Stage III was made after a comprehensive review by the CAQM sub-committee, analyzing the current air quality situation and forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality index provided by IMD/llTM. As of December 22, the average AQI in Delhi reached 402 at 2:00 pm, spiking to 409 by 4:00 pm. Projections indicate further deterioration due to adverse meteorological and climatic conditions.

Given the exacerbating air quality, the imposition of GRAP Stage III by CAQM in Delhi NCR raises questions about its necessity. Share your thoughts on this decision in the comments section below.

Understanding BS3 and BS4 emission standards

Government-set regulations for cleaner air

BS3 and BS4 denote Bharat Stage 3 and Bharat Stage 4 emission standards respectively. These government-imposed standards aim to limit harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter released by vehicles, contributing to a cleaner environment. BS4 represents a more advanced and environmentally conscious standard in contrast to BS3. To identify your vehicle's emission standard, review its Registration Certificate, commonly known as the RC. Typically, the RC includes the emission standard details under the "Fuel Used" or "Remarks" section. If your RC indicates BS4, your vehicle complies with the BS4 emission standard, signifying its environmentally friendly nature.

Know your vehicle's emission standard: Four ways to identify BS3 or BS4 compliance

1. Consult the Owner's Manual: The vehicle's owner's manual usually contains details about the emission standard. Look through the technical specifications or compliance section to find relevant information.
   
   
2. Visit the Manufacturer's Website: Car manufacturers often publish data about various models and their emission standards on their websites. Search for your car's specific model and year to locate its emission standard.
   
   
3. Reach Out to Manufacturer or Dealer: If uncertainties persist, contacting the car manufacturer or a local dealer can provide clarification. They possess information regarding your vehicle's emission standard.
   
   
4. Inspect the Exhaust Pipe: Access the underside of your vehicle to examine the exhaust pipe. Occasionally, there might be a label or engraving indicating the emission standard. Note that this method might not always yield results and is less commonly used.

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