Panel bans entry of non-BS-VI commercial vehicles from Nov 1

In an attempt to tackle rising air pollution in the national capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced that all commercial goods vehicles registered outside Delhi and not compliant with BS-VI emission norms will be barred from entering the city starting November 1.

According to the statutory direction issued by the CAQM, only BS-VI, CNG, LNG and electric vehicles will be allowed entry into Delhi. The ban applies to all categories of commercial goods vehicles — light, medium and heavy, except those registered within the city.

The commission, invoking its powers under Section 12(1) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, said the move is aimed at reducing pollution caused by the high volume of diesel-powered trucks entering Delhi every day.

However, vehicles carrying essential commodities or providing essential services will be granted limited exemption, only until October 31, 2026. After that date, even essential supplies will have to be transported through BS-VI, CNG, LNG or electric vehicles, the commission said.

The decision follows a series of meetings between the CAQM and key stakeholders, including the Delhi Transport Department, MCD, NHAI, MoRTH and transport departments of NCR states.

During the discussions, concerns were raised about inadequate arrangements for turning back non-compliant vehicles at city borders, which could cause congestion. Officials also noted that about 40 per cent of all trucks entering Delhi carry essential supplies.

Meanwhile, air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate in the post-Diwali period.

As of 1 pm on Tuesday, the city’s air quality index (AQI) stood at 304, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Among the city’s monitoring stations, the AQI levels in Anand Vihar were recorded at 311, RK Puram at 316, Siri Fort at 347, Bawana at 334, Burari Crossing at 319, and Dwarka Sector 8 at 311, all classified as ‘very poor’.

With pollution levels rising despite Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) being in force, Delhi saw its first-ever cloud seeding trial on Tuesday.