Fact Check: Are bs4 cars allowed in delhi?

Are BS4 Cars Allowed in Delhi?

The claim regarding the allowance of BS4 cars in Delhi revolves around the recent regulatory changes concerning vehicle emissions standards and air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR). Specifically, the question is whether vehicles conforming to the Bharat Stage 4 (BS4) emission standards are permitted to operate in Delhi, especially in light of the ongoing concerns about air pollution.

What We Know

1. Bharat Stage Emission Standards: The Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards are regulations instituted by the Indian government to control air pollution by regulating the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engines. The BS4 standard was implemented in April 2017, and vehicles manufactured to this standard are considered to have lower emissions compared to their predecessors, BS3 vehicles 1.

2. Supreme Court Ruling: In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of India banned the sale and registration of vehicles that meet the BS4 standard in Delhi due to rising pollution levels 1. This ruling reflects ongoing efforts to improve air quality in the region.

3. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): The Delhi government has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address air quality issues. Under GRAP, specific restrictions are placed on vehicle usage based on the Air Quality Index (AQI). For instance, during periods of severe pollution, BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles are banned from operating in the NCR 23.

4. Recent Developments: As of late November 2023, the Delhi government lifted the ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles following improvements in air quality. This decision was made in response to a decline in pollution levels, allowing these vehicles to operate again in the NCR 56. However, the situation remains fluid, with restrictions being reinstated during periods of severe air pollution 34.

5. Current Status: As of early January 2025, restrictions on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles were lifted due to improved air quality conditions, allowing these vehicles to operate in Delhi 6. However, the regulatory environment is subject to change based on ongoing air quality assessments.

Analysis

The sources consulted provide a mixed picture of the current status of BS4 vehicles in Delhi.

• Credibility of Sources: The information from established news outlets like Times of India and NDTV is generally reliable, as they are recognized for their journalistic standards. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly if the outlets have a vested interest in promoting certain narratives regarding environmental policies or automotive regulations.

• Conflicting Information: Some sources indicate that the ban on BS4 vehicles was reinstated during periods of poor air quality, while others report that the ban was lifted under improved conditions. This inconsistency highlights the need for continuous monitoring of air quality and regulatory responses 2356.

• Methodological Concerns: The effectiveness of the GRAP and the decision to lift or impose bans on certain vehicle types depend heavily on real-time air quality data. The methodology for determining when to impose these bans is critical and should be transparent to ensure public trust in the regulations.

• Public Response: The public's reaction to these regulations can vary widely, with some supporting stringent measures to combat pollution, while others may feel unfairly targeted if they own older vehicles. This societal divide can influence how regulations are perceived and enforced.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The claim that BS4 cars are allowed in Delhi is mostly true, as recent regulatory changes have permitted their operation following improvements in air quality. The Supreme Court's ruling and the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have created a complex regulatory environment where the status of BS4 vehicles can change based on real-time air quality assessments.

Key evidence supporting this verdict includes the Supreme Court's ban on BS4 vehicles due to pollution concerns, the subsequent lifting of this ban in late November 2023, and the ongoing adjustments to vehicle restrictions based on air quality conditions. However, the situation remains fluid, with the possibility of reinstating bans during periods of severe pollution.

It is important to note the limitations in the available evidence, particularly regarding the consistency of information from various sources and the potential for bias. The regulatory landscape is subject to change, and the effectiveness of measures like GRAP relies on accurate and transparent air quality data.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding vehicle regulations and air quality management, as the situation can evolve rapidly based on environmental conditions and policy decisions.

Sources

1. Bharat Stage Emission Standards. Wikipedia. Link
2. BS3 Petrol, BS4 Diesel Car Ban In Delhi From Nov 2023. 91 Wheels. Link
3. BS3, BS4 Car Ban Returns to Delhi NCR Amid Rising Pollution. Times of India. Link
4. GRAP-3 Restrictions Lifted: You Can Now Drive BS3 Petrol and BS4 Diesel Cars in Delhi NCR. Times Now News. Link
5. Government Revokes Ban On BS3 Petrol And BS4 Diesel Vehicles In Delhi NCR. Car and Bike. Link
6. Delhi's AQI Improves, Restrictions Eased: Can You Drive BS-III, BS-IV Vehicles? Times of India. Link
7. Delhi Pollution Update: Can You Drive Your BS3, BS4 Car or Not? Times of India. Link
8. GRAP III Restrictions Lifted in Delhi NCR: Check Which Vehicles Are Now Allowed to Run. Times of India. Link
9. Delhi Pollution Crisis: Ban on These Vehicles. Mathrubhumi. Link
10. BS3, BS4 Petrol Cars Permitted In Delhi Under Conditions. NDTV. Link