Minister: Diesel vehicles entering city despite ban

New Delhi, November 14

Delhi Labour Minister Raaj Kumar Anand has flagged the continuous entry of diesel vehicles into the national capital despite a ban on their entry under GRAP Stage-IV guidelines during an inspection of the Singhu border.

Restrictions under GRAP Stage IV, including a ban on all construction work and the entry of polluting trucks into the national capital, kicked in earlier this month after the city’s air quality plummeted to the ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI above 450) category.

To ensure strict compliance with regulations, Anand and a team of officials inspected the Singhu border on Monday. “According to GRAP Stage-IV regulations, the entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles into Delhi is prohibited. The inspection revealed continuous entry of diesel vehicles from Haryana into Delhi, which is a matter of concern. The drivers were informed that the entry of diesel vehicles into Delhi is restricted due to the deteriorating air quality,” a statement issued on Tuesday said.

Anand noted that diesel vehicles entering Delhi from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are contributing to the increasing pollution in the city. The Narela subdivisional magistrate was directed to disseminate information through hoardings, banners, camps and handbills to enforce a restriction on the entry of the prohibited vehicles. Large banners with information on all directives and rules should be displayed at the entry point from Haryana, the statement said.