New Delhi: Delhi government will impose a complete ban on buses entering Delhi, except those running on CNG, electric and BS-VI diesel under GRAP-IV restrictions that are already in force.
Currently, there is no such restriction on buses coming in from Haryana or other parts of NCR. The restriction would be applicable to buses from all states.
Sources said that the government was waiting because of the Chhath Puja rush, after which it will notify the change in the GRAP-IV restrictions.
A senior official said: “Currently, we are witnessing a big rush due to Chhath Puja. So we are waiting for people to reach their places after which the new rule will kick in.”
Under GRAP-IV, diesel-registered medium and heavy-goods vehicles have also been prohibited within Delhi, except those involved in transporting essential goods and services.
A senior Delhi government official said 40 enforcement teams, including traffic, are in border areas from 8 pm till 4 am. Overall, 100 teams have been pressed into action to check overloaded trucks, pollution certificates, interstate buses and congestion.
According to the transport department, thousands of trucks have been returned and more than 500 have been challaned for violating pollution norms since the GRAP-IV measures kicked in.
A fine of Rs 10,000 is imposed for violating PUC norms. In total, 28,471 fines have been issued against vehicles under GRAP I, II and III.
The government had directed that all buses coming to the national capital from Haryana as well as other NCR cities of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan would have to be electric or run on CNG or BS-VI diesel.
Sources in the government said that GRAP-IV would stay for some time as the government does not want to take any decision in a hurry. It will wait for stubble burning to decerase further as well as ensure that there is no congestion on the roads.
“We have also intensified our actions against polluting vehicles as more teams are checking pollution certificates of vehicles,” said a senior official.
