Notification/Circular No.: Direction No. 88; F. No. A-11018/01/2021-CAQM/287DT
Document Date: April 23, 2025
Applicable Act/Rule: Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021
Background and Rationale
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued fresh directions to curb the high vehicular pollution load contributing significantly to poor air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), especially in winter. Studies have shown that transport/commercial goods vehicles (Light, Medium, and Heavy Goods Vehicles—LGVs, MGVs, HGVs), especially those below BS-VI emission standards, are major emitters. Despite efforts like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and earlier Supreme Court directions, vehicular emissions remain a major source of air pollution. Thus, there is a need for stricter, year-round control measures.
Detailed Provisions
Existing Scenario | New Direction |
Only temporary restrictions on non-BS-VI diesel vehicles during specific GRAP stages. | Permanent, year-round ban on entry of non-BS-VI LGVs, MGVs, and HGVs (except CNG, LNG, and Electric Vehicles) into Delhi. |
BS-IV and below diesel goods carriers were restricted during GRAP stages III and IV only. | All non-BS-VI diesel commercial vehicles (even BS-V) will be banned, except essential services vehicles until October 31, 2026. |
No permanent mechanism for goods vehicles entering Delhi based on emission norms. | Permanent enforcement using existing entry-point infrastructure, including ANPR cameras linked to VAHAN database. |
Amendments and Their Implementation
Conclusion
Direction No. 88 marks a major, decisive step by CAQM to combat vehicular pollution in Delhi. By permanently restricting entry of older diesel commercial vehicles, it seeks to ensure long-term improvement in the region’s air quality. A phased approach, clear deadlines, and strong enforcement mechanisms have been set to ensure compliance and to transition Delhi into a cleaner, greener future.
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