Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that non-Delhi registered private vehicles below BS-6 emission standards will not be permitted to enter Delhi as long as Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remains in effect. This measure aims to combat the persistent toxic smog blanketing Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR), where the air quality index (AQI) has remained at alarming levels. The rule is effective starting Thursday, December 18, 2025.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had previously imposed the strictest anti-pollution curbs under Stage 4 of GRAP. However, recent reports indicate that only Stage 3 of GRAP is currently active. GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. GRAP 3 specifically kicks in when the AQI reaches the 'Severe' category, with the primary goal of curbing pollution levels by restricting polluting activities.
In addition to restricting vehicle entry, Sirsa also stated that petrol pumps will deny fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, also effective from Thursday. Heavy penalties will be levied on vehicles carrying construction material, and such vehicles may be seized.
The Delhi government is reportedly taking daily measures to tackle air pollution, which has persisted at dangerous levels for months. While Delhi's air quality showed some improvement on Tuesday, recording an AQI of 377 compared to 498 the previous day, thick smog continues to shroud the city and neighboring areas.
Under GRAP Stage 3, stricter regulations are in place, significantly impacting vehicular movement in and around Delhi. A major component of GRAP 3 is the ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles, which are considered more polluting. Driving a restricted vehicle can result in a substantial fine. Authorities are actively monitoring vehicular movement to enforce the rules. There are exemptions for essential services and emergency vehicles, typically requiring proper documentation.
Non-essential construction and demolition work is also banned under GRAP III, along with activities like earthwork, piling, open trenching, welding, painting, plastering, tiling, and flooring. Stone crushers, brick kilns, and mining operations are also prohibited. The transport of construction materials like cement, sand, and fly ash on unpaved roads is also restricted.
The Delhi government welcomes the initiative, but effective enforcement of this directive remains an extremely difficult task. The CAQM has issued strict enforcement measures across the NCR to curb air pollution, targeting traffic congestion, road dust, and municipal solid waste management, including preventing waste burning. Intensified surveillance using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at fuel stations and stepped-up night-time patrolling are also ordered to prevent the entry and movement of banned vehicles and curb waste burning.
Previously, GRAP Stage-3 restrictions were lifted in Delhi-NCR after a minor improvement in air quality, with measures under Stage 2 becoming applicable. These restrictions included curbs on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar, as well as a ban on older diesel goods vehicles.
