The air quality in and around Delhi has been questionable for a while now. So much so that the state had to come up with rules that restricted the movement of cars on the road. Rules such as scrapping, where a diesel car needs to be scrapped after 10 years and 15 years for petrol cars have come into play just to help improve the AQI (air quality index). Another such rule that gained popularity was the odd-even rule. However, as of today, the air in Delhi has deteriorated to an extent that the state has decided to stop the movement of all diesel cars until further notice. Here’s everything you need to know about the diesel cars ban in Delhi!
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Diesel cars ban in Delhi – Why?
As per the Central Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the stage 4 plan of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented to improve the AQI in Delhi-NCR. The air conditions in Delhi have been rated ‘severe plus’ and this is an appropriate measure to control the situation. According to this, all industries in Delhi-NCR (apart from essentials, like dairy) will be shut until further notice. Moreover, the movement of all diesel vehicles, both private and commercial will be halted (apart from BS6 vehicles and/or vehicles transporting essential goods). Construction for highways, flyovers, etc. has also been banned until further notice. 
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Is this a permanent step?
No, this is not a permanent measure. The state has clearly mentioned that all movement for diesel cars will be halted in the Delhi-NCR region until further notice. Most likely, once the air quality starts improving and the situation is under control, movement will begin as usual. The diesel cars ban in Delhi should not be a permanent measure, as it will put a lot of pressure on other modes of transport. Apart from this diesel cars ban in Delhi, the government has also given some precautionary steps. Children, elderly citizens, and citizens with respiratory problems are advised to stay at home as much as possible. Organizations have been asked to provide WFH for some time wherever it is possible. 
Also Read – Retrofit CNG kits on BS6 cars to be legal soon!
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Does this affect the existing diesel cars ban in Delhi?
No, the pre-existing rule that imposes a ban on diesel cars older than 10 years is still in action. This rule is s temporary measure, whereas that is a permanent rule that the government has stated. Currently, only BS6 diesel cars are allowed to run on the roads in Delhi-NCR. The entry of trucks (apart from CNG and EVs) has also been banned until further notice.
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As of Thursday morning, the air quality index in Delhi-NCR was 458, which falls under the Severe category. Do you think that this diesel cars ban in Delhi is the right move in this situation? Let us know in the comments below.
