Transport Department Launches Special Drive Against GRAP-4 Violators

After the execution of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan in the Delhi-NCR region, Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been executed. The Transport Department of Noida has started a tough campaign against vehicles flouting traffic norms. "The transport department is closely monitoring around 1.25 lakh vehicles in the prohibited ones to make sure no one breaches the norms," said a transport department official.

According to Transport Department data, action has been taken against 232 vehicles violating GRAP-4 rules from December 1st to Monday. These vehicles were caught plying on the roads despite the ban, resulting in challans and other legal action.

Under GRAP-4, which came into effect last Saturday, a strict ban has been imposed on all vehicles below the BS-6 standard. This includes BS-4 category heavy goods vehicles. Officials say this step is necessary to immediately control pollution, as these vehicles produce the most harmful emissions into the air.

The Transport Department has clarified that all BS-6 category vehicles in the district are completely exempt from the ban. Furthermore, as per the directives of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), lower category vehicles engaged only in essential and emergency services have been allowed to operate on a limited basis. However, even these vehicles are being strictly monitored.