Delhi Pollution: Govt Bans Entry of Medium, Heavy Vehicles From 1 Oct to 28 Feb

The ban has been announced in view of the possibility of an increase in pollution in the coming winter season.

Image used for representative purpose.

(Photo: PTI)

The Delhi government on Thursday, 23 June, banned the entry of medium and heavy vehicles in the national capital from 1 October 2022 to 28 February 2023, in view of the possibility of an increase in pollution levels in the coming winter season.

The national capital sees the entry of vehicles such as trucks and mini tempos for 15-20 days during the month of November or December.

The Indian Express reported that 70,000 to 80,000 trucks enter Delhi every day. Apart from CNG-run commercial vehicles and e-trucks, vehicles carrying essentials like vegetables, grains, fruits and milk, among other food items will be allowed to enter the city. There will be no restriction on trucks transporting petroleum products as well.

Air quality in Delhi had slopped to dangerously low levels during the winter, with the level of the pollutant Particulate Matter 2.5 or PM2.5, sharply rising during the winter, owed to industrial discharge, automobile emissions and burning of crop-residue in Haryana and Punjab.

Mint reported that truckers and commercial vehicle associations, citing the possibility of losses worth crores, have opposed the move.

Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was registered in the moderate category at 131 at around 8.05 am on Thursday, Central Pollution Control Board data showed.

(With inputs from The Indian Express and Mint)