To combat the ongoing issue of dangerous air quality in Delhi during winter, the city has put in place a plan called the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Currently, they are in Stage III of this plan, which means they are restricting the use of older cars, specifically those running on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel, as they produce more pollution.
This ban applies to Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) and covers most 4-wheeled vehicles. People who break this rule may have to pay a significant fine of ?20,000, according to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. However, there are some exceptions for vehicles used for essential services and by the police.
The GRAP works in stages. Stage I starts when air quality is 'poor,' and it limits the use of some vehicles. Stage II is for 'very poor' air quality and includes special actions in areas with a lot of pollution. Stage IV may be put into effect if the air quality gets worse, and it could stop non-compliant vehicles from coming into Delhi.
While this ban on certain vehicles is a step toward cleaner air, it's essential to know that Delhi's air pollution problem is complicated. It involves many things like burning crop residue, construction work, pollution from industries, and the weather. To make the air cleaner in the long run, we need a comprehensive approach and it's going to take time.
Can Banning BS3 and BS4 Vehicles Solve Delhi's Pollution Problem?
While the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been used in Delhi before, banning older BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles is just one step in the battle against the city's air pollution. The truth is, it won't magically make all of Delhi's polluted air disappear. Delhi's air quality woes are the result of a complicated mix of factors.
This pollution puzzle includes things like burning crop leftovers, ongoing construction work, emissions from factories, and the burning of waste out in the open. Specific weather conditions and geographical features also play a role in making Delhi's air quality bad.
To really fix Delhi's air, we need a well-thought-out plan that tackles all these pollution sources. It's not something that can happen overnight. It will require careful planning and strict enforcement to see any meaningful change. In fact, it might take several years before Delhi's air becomes safe to breathe during the winter.
Stopping certain older cars won't make Delhi's air instantly clean. The pollution problem is like a big puzzle with many pieces, including things like burning old crops, construction, factories, and even the weather. To fix it, we need a smart plan, and it will take time and hard work. Delhi's air might not get better for a few years.