Delhi Minister Urges Ban on Diesel Buses to Combat Pollution

New Delhi, October 22, 2024: Amid rising air pollution levels, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai has appealed to transport ministers of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to restrict diesel buses from entering the capital.

“I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the increasing air pollution levels in Delhi… One major component of this air pollution is vehicular emissions largely attributed to the significant number of diesel buses entering the city from Uttar Pradesh,” Rai stated. He emphasized the need for stricter emission norms or a transition to cleaner fuels like CNG and electric.

Rai explained that diesel buses emit pollutants leading to respiratory problems, worsening Delhi’s air quality. He added, “Delhi is already grappling with poor air quality, and this additional burden from interstate traffic is aggravating the situation.”

Highlighting the importance of proactive measures, he stated, “By taking proactive steps, we can collectively work towards reducing air pollution, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for the capital.”

Alongside this request, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) has been enforced in Delhi-NCR after the region’s Air Quality Index (AQI) fell into the ‘Very Poor’ category, recording a daily average AQI of 310. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is implementing an 11-point action plan, which includes stricter regulations, encouraging public transport, and avoiding dust-generating construction activities.

These measures aim to combat deteriorating air quality, which is expected to remain challenging due to adverse weather conditions.