Air quality crisis: Haryana enforces immediate ban on specific vehicle types

The air quality in 10 districts of Haryana has significantly worsened, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 300. Consequently, the entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (LMV) has been immediately prohibited in Gurugram and Faridabad districts. This ban is effective until January 7, 2024, or until the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifts the Graded Response Action Plan (GRP) Phase-III.
Exceptions to this restriction include vehicles engaged in emergency services, police vehicles, and government vehicles utilized for enforcement purposes.
In accordance with the directive from the Haryana Transport Commissioner, any BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheeler found operating in these two districts will face prosecution under Section 194 (1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This order is issued in response to the deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and is aligned with the CAQM’s review on the matter.
The Commission’s Sub-Committee on Implementing GRAP Phase-I and Phase-II Restrictions has recommended the implementation of all actions outlined in GRAP Phase-I and Phase-II. Additionally, they suggest applying all measures specified under Phase-III of GRAP for ‘severe’ air quality. The Sub-Committee, noting the current air quality trend and aiming to prevent further deterioration, has decided that all actions specified under Phase-III of GRAP – ‘Critical’ Air Quality, should be implemented earnestly.