Delhi pollution: Ban enforced on non-Delhi BS-III goods vehicles; checks at 23 border points

NEW DELHI: Delhi's Transport Department and Traffic Police initiated enforcement of a ban on non-Delhi registered commercial goods vehicles meeting BS-III or lower emission standards at city borders on Saturday, deploying teams at 23 key locations to monitor and control entry.The enforcement teams, formed through collaboration between Transport Department and Traffic Police, are stationed at major entry points including Kundli, Rajokri, Tikri, Aya Nagar, Kalindi Kunj, Auchandi, Mandoli, Kapashera and Bajghera toll/Dwarka Expressway borders.Officials estimate that between 50,000 to 70,000 vehicles currently operate below BS-IV emission standards in the region.

The new regulations exempt several categories of vehicles from the restrictions.

These include commercial goods vehicles registered in Delhi, BS-VI compliant vehicles, and those running on alternative fuels like CNG, LNG, or electricity.The comprehensive ban was approved during a Commission for Air Quality Management meeting on October 17, as part of efforts to address Delhi's ongoing pollution challenges.The measure aims to restrict the entry of high-polluting commercial vehicles into the national capital as the city grapples with deteriorating air quality.

(With agency inputs)