Haryana Bans BS-III Petrol, BS-IV Diesel Vehicles Till 30 Nov Due To Bad Air Quality
The Haryana transport commissioner has prohibited the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles due to the declining quality of the air in Gurugram and Faridabad, an official stated on 7 November.
According to DC Gurugram Nishant Kumar Yadav, the Transport Commissioner of Haryana has prohibited the usage of four-wheel drive light motor vehicles classified as BS IV (diesel) and Bharat Stage III (petrol) vehicles in the districts of Gurugram and Faridabad.
The news comes a day after the Supreme Court directed the states of Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan And Delhi to immediately stop stubble burning.
Gurugram and Faridabad are city centres that have been dealing heavy pollution, smog, and a poor air quality from the beginning of November. The cities come under Delhi's National Capital Region (NCR).
"Compliance with these orders will be seriously ensured in the district. The residents of the district should also cooperate with the administration to control pollution.
"If anyone uses the above-mentioned category of vehicles in the district, then challan and legal action will be taken against him under Section 194 (1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. These orders have been implemented in the district with immediate effect and will remain in effect till November 30 or till stage III of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is lifted," added DC Yadav.
Meanwhile, Delhi government has brought back the odd-even vehicle number scheme from 13 November to curb pollution in the state.
Faridabad's air quality index (AQI) remains in the 'severe' category, exceeding measures of 450 in several places on 8 November. Similarly, Gurugram's AQI remains 'very poor' today, exceeding measures of 360 in certain areas. Meanwhile, Delhi's AQI has again dipped to 'severe' after getting better in the 'very poor' category on 7 November.
Delhi's environment minister, Gopal Rai, stated that a decision regarding a work-from-home mandate for 50 per cent of employees in both government and private offices will be made following the Diwali festival.
