No entry for diesel buses from other states in Delhi-NCR; check details
PTC News Desk: With Delhi's air quality deteriorating, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Monday that all diesel buses from other states will be barred from entering the capital starting November 1.
"The Delhi government is working on all the parameters under the winter action plan. Last year, the AQI on October 29 was 397, and yesterday it was 325. So there has been an improvement. We are trying to improve it further. The next 15 days are very important, and we are preparing for them," Environment Minister Gopal Rai said.
"All the industrial units in Delhi have been shifted from polluted fuel to natural gas. We have formed teams to monitor if anyone is using polluted fuel. The 'Red Light on, Gaadi off' campaign is voluntary. I appeal to the people of Delhi to turn off their vehicle's engine when there is a red signal," he added.
He also stated that beginning November 1, all diesel buses operating in Delhi-NCR from outside will be required to use alternative fuel.
Previously, Rai urged the Centre to impose a strict ban on buses that use subpar diesel, as well as a ban on BS III and BS IV buses operating in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan's NCR areas.
As part of the Delhi Government's efforts to combat vehicular pollution, the Minister conducted a surprise inspection of Kashmiri Gate ISBT for diesel buses arriving from NCR states.
"The Environment Minister stated that the central government should implement a complete ban on BS III and BS IV buses operating in NCR areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Minister Gopal Rai further informed that from November 1st, checking will be conducted by the Transport Department at all entry points," an official release said.
"At present, pollution generated from vehicles is increasing. All buses in Delhi are running on CNG. More than 800 electric buses are also running in Delhi. However due to BS III and BS IV diesel buses running in UP, Haryana, Rajasthan NCR area, pollution is increasing in Delhi. During the inspection at ISBT, it was found that all the buses that have come here from UP and Haryana are BS III and BS IV buses. None of the buses have come from there with electric and CNG. That is why we demand that the Centre implement a complete ban on BS III and BS IV buses operating in NCR areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan," Gopal Rai added.
The Environment Minister stated that the drivers of diesel buses coming from NCR states were also informed today that starting November 1st, only electric, CNG, and BS-VI buses will be permitted to enter Delhi.
The Transport Department will conduct a checking campaign at all entry points beginning November 1. Any buses that do not follow the rules will face action.
- ANI
