Delhi's Air Crisis: BS VI Norms Tighten Grip

Delhi has implemented tighter curbs on vehicular pollution, focusing on Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms. Non-BS VI private vehicles from outside the capital are now prohibited from entering, and fuel pumps will only dispense fuel to those with a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). This measure targets older, more polluting vehicles to improve the city's air quality.

For vehicle owners, BS compliance is indicated on the registration certificate (RC); vehicles registered on or after April 1, 2020, are typically BS VI compliant. Manufacturers may also note this in owner's manuals, and authorized dealerships can confirm. Older vehicles, particularly diesel models, emit significantly higher levels of harmful pollutants.

This enforcement comes as vehicular pollution is a major contributor to Delhi-NCR's air quality issues, with approximately 37% of vehicles in the region adhering to older, less stringent emission standards. BS VI norms significantly reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions compared to previous standards like BS IV.