Delhi woke up under a blanket of toxic smog as air quality slipped into the hazardous zone.

By Aniket Chakraborty Dec 27, 2025 Arrow INDIA NEWS

Under GRAP Stage IV, old and non-BS6 vehicles are now barred from entering the capital.

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Vehicles violating emission norms face a ₹20,000 fine or are forced to turn back at borders.

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Police checkpoints now scrutinise registration numbers and PUCC certificates in real time.

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Diesel vehicles over 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years are being stopped instantly.

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Transport officials say vehicular emissions form over 20% of Delhi’s winter PM2.5 pollution.

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Nearly 37% of Delhi-NCR vehicles are BS-III or older, emitting far higher pollutants.

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Many commuters say the enforcement feels sudden and poorly communicated.

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Experts warn vehicle bans alone won’t work without scrappage policies and public transport upgrades.

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As Delhi chokes again, the crackdown highlights the cost of delayed structural solutions.

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