NewKerala.com

Delhi's Air Battle: CAQM Orders Seizure of Polluting BS-III Vehicles

The air quality watchdog has cracked down on old, polluting vehicles in the capital region. At the same time, it's giving a boost to cleaner transport options for delivery services. Officials are also celebrating a massive win against farm fires, with stubble burning incidents down dramatically. The focus now shifts to preventing pollution from wheat residue in the coming year.

Key Points: CAQM Orders Seizure of BS-III Vehicles in NCR to Curb Pollution

  • CAQM lifts restrictions on taking action against highly polluting BS-III and older vehicles
  • E-commerce firms can add BS-VI petrol two-wheelers to fleets until 2026
  • Commission reports a 92% reduction in paddy stubble burning incidents since 2021
  • States directed to prepare action plans for monitoring wheat residue burning in 2026
2 min read

Poor air quality: CAQM orders seizure of EoL, BS-III polluting vehicles in NCR

CAQM directs enforcement agencies to seize End-of-Life and BS-III vehicles in Delhi-NCR, while promoting zero-emission transport and reporting a 92% drop in stubble burning.

"Enforcement agencies were directed to ensure strict compliance with applicable orders. - CAQM Statement"

New Delhi, Dec 22

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas on Monday directed enforcement agencies to take coercive action against End-of-Life (EoL), polluting BS-III and lower emission standard vehicles, an official said.

The Commission also permitted delivery service providers and e-commerce entities to induct BS-VI petrol 2-wheelers in existing fleets up to December 31, 2026, said a statement.

The meeting under Rajesh Verma, Chairperson, CAQM, maintained restrictions on the induction of conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles or petrol/diesel vehicles for other specified categories of stakeholders with effect from January 1, 2026, as part of a plan to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

On the issue of coercive action against EoL polluting vehicles, the Commission noted, “Pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court dated December 17, 2025, protection against coercive action continues for BS-IV and later emission standard vehicles, while restrictions on taking action against highly polluting BS-III and lower emission standard vehicles have been lifted. Enforcement agencies were directed to ensure strict compliance with applicable orders.”

While reviewing the status of paddy stubble burning during 2025, the Commission noted a significant reduction in incidents due to integrated monitoring and enforcement efforts, with approximately 92 per cent overall reduction in NCR as compared to 2021.

“Further, the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were directed to prepare State Action Plans for monitoring and enforcement for wheat residue burning for the harvesting season of 2026, based on which Statutory Directions shall be issued,” said a CAQM statement.

The CAQM also reviewed enforcement action, including the status of closures and resumptions of industrial units by the Enforcement Task Force (ETF), and the status of filing of complaints/prosecution.

“The Commission reiterated the need for continued strict vigilance, coordinated enforcement and effective implementation of Statutory Directions across all sectors, particularly during the winter season,” said the statement.

At the end of the meeting, all implementing agencies committed to regularly reviewing air pollution control measures and to take strict and effective action across various sectors, including under GRAP, it said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good step, but what about the people who depend on these vehicles for their livelihood? The government should also announce a proper scrappage policy with financial support to help them upgrade to cleaner vehicles. We can't just seize without providing an alternative.
A
Aman W
The 92% reduction in stubble burning is impressive if true! That's a big win. Hope they apply the same strict monitoring to wheat residue. Our children deserve to breathe clean air. 🙏
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Delhi for work, the air quality is a constant health concern. Encouraging delivery fleets to go electric/BS-VI is smart. But the 2026 deadline for other vehicles seems far away. We need faster transition to EVs.
V
Vikram M
Action on paper is one thing, implementation is another. Will the enforcement agencies on the ground actually do their job? Or will it be business as usual after a few weeks? Hope the Supreme Court order leads to real change.
K
Kriti O
This is a multi-pronged approach which is good. Vehicles, industry, farm waste - all need to be tackled together. But public transport also needs a massive upgrade. More metro lines and electric buses please!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50