New Delhi: The Delhi government Sunday banned BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers from plying in the national capital in view of an order issued by the Centre amid worsening air quality in the city and NCR.

The central government earlier in the day ordered a ban on non-essential construction work and plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the Delhi-National Capital Region.

Anticipating a prolonged period of severe air quality, the committee decided to implement GRAP Stage-III curbs (‘severe’ air quality index range) immediately to prevent further deterioration.

In its order, the Delhi transport department said the sub-committee for the operationalisation of the revised GRAP has reviewed the air quality scenario as well as the forecast for meteorological conditions and air quality index in Delhi.

“As per directions as provided under Stage III of the revised GRAP and under Section 115 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is hereby ordered that there shall be restrictions to ply BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (four-wheelers) in NCT of Delhi with immediate effect till further orders (except for vehicles deployed in emergency services, police vehicles and government vehicles used for enforcement),” the order said.

“If any BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs (four-wheeler) found plying on road will be prosecuted under section 194 (1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which provides a fine of Rs 20,000,” it said.

GRAP is the Centre’s air pollution control plan implemented in the region during the winter season. The GRAP categorises actions into four stages: Stage I “Poor” (AQI 201-300); Stage II “Very Poor” (AQI 301-400); Stage III “Severe” (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV “Severe Plus” (AQI>450).