Sun Nov 17 16:55:06 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Accuses Neighboring States of Fueling Pollution Crisis with Banned Buses
**NEW DELHI** – Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai has accused the BJP-governed states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh of deliberately worsening Delhi’s air pollution by sending banned diesel buses into the capital. Rai’s accusation follows an inspection at the Kashmiri Gate inter-state bus terminal where numerous BS-IV diesel buses, prohibited under Delhi’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) III, were found entering the city.
GRAP III restricts the entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles into Delhi in an effort to control pollution. The discovery of these violating buses prompted Rai to deploy 84 enforcement teams, supported by 280 Traffic Police officers, to crack down on the illegal entries. Violators face a hefty fine of Rs 20,000.
Only electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel buses from the National Capital Region (NCR) are currently permitted entry into Delhi’s interstate bus terminals. Rai’s statement highlights a growing tension between Delhi and its neighboring states over the ongoing air pollution crisis and accuses these states of undermining Delhi’s efforts to improve air quality.
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