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Ban These Vehicles: If you live in Delhi or have to travel to Delhi, this news is very important for you. Two major changes have been implemented in the national capital Delhi from November 1 i.e. today. First, to control air pollution, the entry of old commercial vehicles has been banned. Secondly, e-FIRs can now be filed instantly in cyber fraud cases.
Both these decisions are meant to improve the safety and quality of life of Delhiites. While banning diesel trucks below BS-VI standards is an attempt to reduce air pollution, e-FIR is also a major step towards curbing cyber crime.
Entry of BS-IV vehicles prohibited, BS-VI permitted
Under a joint directive from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Delhi Transport Department, now only BS-VI compliant commercial goods vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi. Light, medium and heavy goods vehicles (LGVs, MGVs, and HGVs) of BS-IV or lower standards will no longer be allowed to ply in Delhi. However, in a relief to the transport industry, the government has given temporary permission to vehicles with BS-IV engines till October 31, 2026, so that companies can gradually upgrade their fleets. This step in Delhi has been taken under the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) as the air quality in Delhi has fallen to critical levels since the last week of October. According to SAFAR India, many areas have recorded AQI between 400 and 900.
Which vehicles will be exempted and what will be the penalties?
The CAQM notification clarifies that commercial goods vehicles, BS-VI compliant petrol/diesel vehicles, CNG, LNG, and electric vehicles registered in Delhi will be allowed entry. Currently there is no restriction on private and passenger vehicles like taxis, Ola and Uber. The Delhi Transport Department has activated an RFID-based scanning system at all entry points to allow only vehicles that comply with the norms to enter the city. Violations can result in fines of up to ₹20,000, and permit cancellation for repeat violations. Experts estimate that vehicular pollution contributes to around 38 percent of Delhi’s total air pollution, so this decision could prove decisive.
Concerns of transporters and importance of BS-VI
All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) president Bhim Wadhwa said, “The transition period provided by the government is a relief for the transport sector, but it may increase the financial burden on small operators.” Meanwhile, All India Motor and Goods Transport Association general secretary Rajinder Kapur suggested, “The rule should be implemented in a phased manner and old vehicle owners should be compensated under the scrappage policy.”
The BS-VI standard is in effect from April 2020 and is considered equivalent to Euro-VI. It reduces nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions by 70-80%. This step will not only reduce air pollution but also improve engine efficiency and fuel quality.
Instant e-FIR, transparency and speedy investigation of cyber frauds
On November 1, the Delhi Police has launched a facility to lodge e-FIRs in cyber fraud cases. The system will be applicable in cases of financial fraud above ₹1 lakh. Earlier, this limit was ₹10 lakh. Now, victims can go to any police station and register their complaint. The integrated help desk there will immediately generate an e-FIR, and the investigation will be done by the regional cyber police, crime branch, or IFSO unit, just like a regular FIR.
The system will also cover online investment scams, UPI fraud, identity theft and other digital crimes. According to reports in Jagran, a Delhi Police spokesperson said that the system will provide a fast, transparent and convenient mechanism for victims, thereby eliminating delays in lodging complaints. Apart from this, awareness campaigns will be conducted across the city to make people aware of online fraud. The move is considered a milestone in Delhi Police’s digital transformation, ensuring speedy justice against cyber financial crimes.
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