Delhi-NCR has enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after air quality slipped into the ‘severe’ category, prompting a temporary ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles across the region. The order, issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), covers Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad. The restrictions will stay in place until pollution levels improve and AQI readings remain below 400 for a sustained period. 

1. GRAP-III implemented as AQI crosses the 400 mark
2. BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel vehicles barred across Delhi-NCR
3. Violations attract fines of up to Rs 20,000

Why has the ban been enforced

AQI crosses ‘severe’ threshold across Delhi-NCR

This is the first time this season that Delhi-NCR has recorded AQI levels above 400, triggering GRAP Stage III restrictions. The CAQM order brings a wide set of restrictions into force, including a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, curbs on non-essential diesel goods vehicles, and limits on inter-state buses that are not CNG, electric or BS-VI compliant. Vehicles used by persons with disabilities remain exempt.

Which vehicles are affected 

BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel temporarily banned

BS-III norms were introduced nationwide in 2010, while BS-IV standards became mandatory across India from April 2017. All diesel cars sold before April 2020 fall under the BS-IV category. These older powertrains emit higher levels of particulate matter and NOx, which is why they are targeted first under GRAP.

Using restricted vehicles during the GRAP Stage III can attract fines of up to Rs 20,000. The ban will be lifted once the region’s air quality improves and remains consistently below the 400 AQI threshold.