# CAQM ends older goods vehicles exemption under strict GRAP stages 2026-09-29T13:41:33+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has removed the exemption for older goods vehicles carrying essential commodities under the two strictest stages of Delhi-NCR's anti-pollution plan. Under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) approved on Monday, light and medium goods vehicles with BS-IV and below standards will face entry restrictions at Stage III, while trucks and heavy goods vehicles will be barred at Stage IV. The commission had previously imposed such curbs through separate orders on top of GRAP last year. These have now been formalised into the main schedule. State governments can refer to the revised GRAP and may also implement additional directions. The schedule now lists 48 actions across four stages, with some measures moved to earlier stages, including restrictions on diesel generator sets and BS-IV and below buses from NCR and adjoining states. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The formal inclusion of vehicle curbs into the GRAP schedule removes legal ambiguity that arose last year when CAQM imposed restrictions through standalone orders. State enforcement agencies now have a clearer mandate to act without waiting for a fresh directive each time pollution spikes. Under the 2023 Supreme Court framework, GRAP is a legally binding instrument, so non-compliance by state governments or transport departments can invite contempt proceedings. The key numbers to watch are the air quality index thresholds that trigger Stage III (AQI 401-450) and Stage IV (AQI above 450) in Delhi-NCR during the winter months. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com Tags: BS-IV, CAQM, Delhi NCR, GRAP, Supreme Court Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/caqm-ends-older-goods-vehicles-exemption-under-strict-grap-stages/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/caqm-ends-older-goods-vehicles-exemption-under-strict-grap-stages/#story-in-brief