In response to the worsening air quality in the national capital, the Delhi government is contemplating a complete ban on passenger buses that do not run on CNG, electricity, or BS-VI diesel. This proposed measure aims to address the escalating pollution situation in Delhi and aligns with the ongoing restrictions under GRAP Stage IV.
As of now, only trucks are restricted from entering the city under the prevailing GRAP Stage IV regulations. However, the government is reportedly considering expanding these restrictions to include all passenger buses that do not meet the specified environmental criteria.
Sources suggest that the implementation of this ban may coincide with the upcoming Chhath Puja festivities, which typically witness a significant influx of people into the city. The government aims to enforce the ban shortly after the festival.
In a recent directive, the Delhi government mandated that buses entering the national capital from Haryana must run on electricity, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. Similar norms were extended to buses entering from the NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The transport department of the city government outlined that buses arriving in Delhi from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, starting from July 1, must adhere to the specified criteria for fuel type.
“There are plans to implement the same norms for buses coming from all states,” added a source familiar with the matter.
Despite the imposition of stringent measures, such as a ban on construction activities and diesel trucks’ entry into the city, Delhi’s air quality has continued to deteriorate in recent days. To enforce the existing restrictions, enforcement teams, including traffic personnel, are deployed in Delhi’s border areas from 8 pm to 4 am. The teams focus on monitoring overloaded trucks, checking pollution certificates, inspecting interstate buses, and managing congestion.
As the pollution situation persists, the Delhi government is exploring additional measures to curb air pollution and enhance environmental sustainability in the city.
