Delhi pollution curbs result in Rs 68.4 lakh in penalties
Authorities turned back 1,539 vehicles and issued multiple fines on the first day of the Winter Action Plan.
Authorities collected Rs 68.4 lakh in penalties and environmental compensation on the first day of the Winter Action Plan in Delhi, according to Urban Acres. The enforcement included Rs 56.6 lakh for vehicles lacking valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), Rs 2 lakh for border entry violations, and Rs 9.8 lakh for construction-related dust violations.
The Delhi Traffic Police and the Transport Department checked 14,930 vehicles at border points, turning back 1,539 of them. The turned-back vehicles comprised 140 light motor vehicles, 54 light commercial vehicles, 95 heavy goods vehicles, and 34 buses. Additionally, 789 of the 1,423 two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and other vehicles checked were turned back.
The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 307 at 7 am on Monday, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reported by Business Standard. Jahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI at 417, falling into the 'severe' category.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated on X that enforcement teams were checking vehicle entry, PUCC compliance, and construction dust regulations. He urged vehicle owners to maintain valid PUCCs and follow all rules.
Under the plan, non-Delhi vehicles below the BS-VI emission standard face entry restrictions until January 31. Dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction are barred until January 31, with a complete ban scheduled from December 10 to January 20.