Supreme Court order in Delhi: BS-3 vehicles banned
Auto Desk, New Delhi. Delhi's air once again remains in critical condition. Increasing pollution along with cold has made the situation such that everyone from the court to the government is forced to take tough decisions. In this context, technical terms like BS-3, BS-4, BS-5 and BS-6 have suddenly become a part of common people's conversation. Now the question arises that what are these BS stages and what do they have to do with your vehicle? These terms may be a bit technical and confusing for common people, but in reality they have a direct impact on your car and your health. In this context, the Supreme Court has made a major change in its old order regarding vehicles in Delhi-NCR, which may affect lakhs of vehicle owners. Let us know about it in detail and in simple words.
What is BS and why is it important?
The full name of BS is Bharat Stage (Bharat Stage Emission Standard). These are the rules that decide how much pollution your vehicle's engine will release into the air. These standards were introduced in the year 2000 to control the toxic fumes emitted from vehicles. These were implemented by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. As pollution increased, the rules became stricter. For this reason, the journey from BS-1 to today's BS-6 was covered.
Why did the BS stages keep changing?
With time, the number of vehicles increased, traffic increased in cities and pollution also increased rapidly, then the government decided that the rules would be made more strict every few years. For this reason, the journey to BS-1, BS-2, BS-3, BS-4 and now BS-6 was completed.
Journey from BS-1 to BS-6
Different BS stages were implemented in India at different times.
In each new stage, the limits of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other pollutant gases emitted from vehicles were further reduced.
1. What was Bharat Stage-I (BS-1)?
BS-1 was India's first emission standard. Under this, vehicles were not allowed to spread pollution more than the prescribed limit. In this stage, maximum limits for gases like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides were fixed. However, as of today, BS-1 is considered to be highly polluting.
2. What is Bharat Stage-II (BS-2)?
Vehicles sold between 2001 and 2010 came under BS-2. In this stage the pollution limit was further reduced. The amount of sulfur in fuel was limited. It was certainly better than BS-1, but it also proved inadequate in the face of increasing pollution.
3. What is Bharat Stage-III (BS-3)?
BS-3 was implemented in 2005, which ran till 2010. In this stage, strictness was increased on carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter (PM). But today BS-3 vehicles are considered to be more polluting, and this is why maximum action is being taken regarding them.
4. What is Bharat Stage-IV (BS-4)?
BS-4 was implemented in April 2017. In this, the pollution limit for both petrol and diesel vehicles was significantly reduced. BS-4 vehicles emit less smoke than BS-3 and are considered safer for the environment. For this reason, the Supreme Court has given relief to BS-4 and newer vehicles.
5. What is Bharat Stage-VI (BS-6)?
BS-6 is the newest and most stringent emission standard, which came into effect in April 2020. This stage includes maximum control on vehicle smoke, modern engine technology and less polluting vehicles. At present, all new vehicles manufactured and sold in India are BS-6.
What is the new order of the Supreme Court?
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court changed its old order regarding Delhi's pollution. This decision was taken on the request of CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management). According to the new order, only BS-4 and newer vehicles will be allowed to run in Delhi-NCR. Entry of vehicles before BS-4 i.e. BS-3 and older has been banned. Such vehicles can be seized.
What relief was given earlier and what has changed now?
Strict action against vehicles started in July. In August, the Supreme Court had given temporary relief to 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles. Now the court has made it clear that BS-3 vehicles will not get this exemption.
How many vehicles will be affected in NCR?
Statistics show that the impact is going to be huge.
There will be a ban on entry of all these vehicles in Delhi.
Current condition of pollution in Delhi-NCR
Although there has been a slight decline in pollution due to strong cold winds, the situation is still serious. According to the data of CPCB, DPCC and UPPCB, AQI has reached above 300 in many areas. This level falls in the very poor category.
What does this mean for common people?
If your car is BS-3 or older then it may be difficult to drive it in Delhi. This decision may seem harsh, but its purpose is clean air and better health in the long run. This decision is certainly bitter, but also necessary to make Delhi's air breathable. Banning vehicles with old technology like BS-3 is not an immediate relief, but a necessary step for the future.