Delhi has intensified its winter pollution crackdown turning back 1,539 vehicles at its borders and collecting ₹68.4 lakh in fines and environmental compensation on the first day of stricter enforcement under the government’s Winter Action Plan.
The enforcement drive, conducted on November 1, targeted vehicles violating emission standards, motorists without valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) and construction activities breaching pollution control rules. The action came as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 261, placing it in the ‘poor’ category.
According to official data nearly 15,000 vehicles were inspected by the Delhi Traffic Police and Transport Department by 5 pm on Sunday.
Vehicles from Outside Delhi Face Strict Emission Checks
Of the 14,930 vehicles checked 1,539 were refused entry into the national capital for failing to meet the required Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission standards. Authorities also issued 127 challans to non BS-VI vehicles and stopped 62 cars.
The restrictions target vehicles registered outside Delhi that comply only with BS-IV or older emission standards. As a result, vehicles registered in neighbouring states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana are also subject to the same emission based entry requirements.
The enforcement drive led to heavy congestion and long queues at several entry points, including the Delhi-Gurugram and Delhi Noida borders as well as Municipal Corporation of Delhi toll booths.
PUCC Violations Account for Most of the Fines
Authorities collected ₹68.4 lakh through fines and environmental compensation during the first day of the drive.
Of the total amount ₹56.6 lakh came from violations related to Pollution Under Control Certificates. Another ₹2 lakh was collected for vehicle entry violations while ₹9.8 lakh was imposed as environmental compensation for construction and demolition related offences.
A total of 566 challans were issued for PUCC violations highlighting the administration’s focus on ensuring vehicles meet prescribed emission standards.
Delhi Introduces Tougher Winter Pollution Restrictions
The latest enforcement measures form part of Delhi’s Winter Action Plan to tackle the seasonal rise in air pollution.
The restrictions include:
– Entry restrictions on non-Delhi vehicles meeting BS-IV or older emission standards.
– A halt on construction activities under the announced curbs.
– Higher parking charges to discourage private vehicle use.
– A 50 per cent cap on physical attendance in government and private offices.
Authorities have also intensified pollution control measures under Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), aimed at preventing further deterioration in air quality.
Air Quality Remains Poor Across the Capital
Delhi recorded an AQI of 261 on November 1. Of the city’s 57 monitoring stations, 22 reported very poor air quality, 21 recorded poor conditions and 14 remained in the moderate category.
With winter weather encouraging pollutants to accumulate and Diwali celebrations approaching, officials are seeking to reduce emissions from vehicles, construction sites and other sources.
The first day enforcement figures signal a stricter approach towards pollution violations, particularly at Delhi’s borders as the government attempts to contain the capital’s worsening air quality.