Delhi Imposes ₹68.4 Lakh in Fines During Anti-Pollution Drive
On the first day of the Winter Action Plan, Delhi authorities issued substantial fines and turned back over 1,500 vehicles to combat pollution.
Delhi authorities collected ₹68.4 lakh in fines on the first day of the Winter Action Plan.
1,539 vehicles were turned back, with a significant number of challans issued for PUCC violations.
The Winter Action Plan includes strict restrictions on non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles until January 31.
Delhi's authorities have taken decisive action against pollution by imposing fines totaling ₹68.4 lakh on the inaugural day of the Winter Action Plan. This initiative, which commenced on November 1, focuses on curbing vehicle emissions, enforcing entry rules, and addressing construction dust violations. Enforcement teams conducted checks on nearly 15,000 vehicles, resulting in the turning back of 1,539 vehicles at various border points and the issuance of 566 challans for breaches of Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) regulations.
The penalties imposed on the first day included ₹56.6 lakh for PUCC violations, ₹2 lakh for breaches of vehicle entry restrictions, and ₹9.8 lakh in environmental compensation for dust control violations at construction sites. The Delhi Traffic Police and Transport Department inspected a total of 14,930 vehicles, with approximately 10.31% being turned back. Among the vehicles turned back were 140 light motor vehicles, 54 light commercial vehicles, and 95 heavy goods vehicles, highlighting the extensive enforcement efforts.
In a focused effort against vehicles lacking valid PUCC certificates, authorities issued 566 challans, leading to fines of ₹56.6 lakh. The Delhi Traffic Police accounted for the majority of these fines, issuing 493 challans totaling ₹49.3 lakh, while the Transport Department issued 73 challans amounting to ₹7.3 lakh. Additionally, 300 construction sites were inspected, resulting in ₹9.8 lakh in environmental compensation due to violations of dust control norms, with several closure directions and show-cause notices issued.
The implications of these actions extend beyond immediate fines, as the Winter Action Plan aims to significantly reduce air pollution levels in Delhi. The restrictions on non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles will remain effective until January 31, 2024, alongside a ban on dust-generating construction activities, except for essential public infrastructure projects. This comprehensive approach reflects the city's commitment to improving air quality and public health.
Looking ahead, the Winter Action Plan will remain in effect until February 28, 2024, with various measures aimed at reducing pollution. Authorities have also doubled parking fees at authorized lots and limited physical attendance in government and private offices to 50% during this period. These steps are part of a broader strategy to engage the public in the quest for cleaner air, emphasizing the need for collective efforts in addressing pollution.
