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.

To implement GRAP-4 effectively, five SFTs of the Transport Department have been made operational in the district. The primary focus of these teams is on the border regions of Delhi that come under Noida, as the flow of vehicles from outside is substantial. The department is operating in collaboration with the traffic police to avoid any slackness in checking.

The Transport Department stated that in the current financial year 2025-26, i.e., from April 1, 2024, a total of 4,018 vehicles have been prosecuted. These include violations of GRAP regulations and driving without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. A total of approximately ₹4.01 crore in fines has been imposed during this period, of which approximately ₹1.49 crore has been recovered so far.

Officials say that strict monitoring and action under GRAP 4 will continue until air quality improves. The Transport Department has appealed to drivers to follow the rules, carry valid documents, and avoid driving restricted vehicles on the roads to strengthen pollution control efforts.