Delhi turns back 1,539 vehicles on first day of pollution curbs
Authorities collected ₹68.4 lakh in fines and environmental compensation during the first day of the Winter Action Plan.
Delhi enforcement agencies turned back 1,539 vehicles at city border points on Sunday, November 1, as part of the Winter Action Plan, according to reports by Mint and The Pioneer. Officials inspected 14,930 vehicles to curb escalating air pollution in the national capital.
The crackdown resulted in ₹68.4 lakh being collected in fines and environmental compensation. This total included ₹56.6 lakh for Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) violations, ₹2 lakh for breaching border-entry restrictions, and ₹9.8 lakh in environmental compensation for construction and demolition violations.
Of the vehicles denied entry, 140 were light motor vehicles, 54 were light commercial vehicles, 95 were heavy or medium goods vehicles, and 34 were buses. Among 1,423 two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and other vehicles checked, 789 were sent back and 38 were impounded.
The Delhi Traffic Police and Delhi Transport Department issued 566 challans for PUCC violations. Additionally, 127 challans were issued for non-BS-VI vehicles and 62 cars were pulled over.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated on X that 300 sites were inspected and urged the public to follow entry rules and dust norms. The Air Quality Index in Delhi was recorded at 261, falling into the 'poor' category.
Under the plan, vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI standards cannot enter the city until January 31. Parking fees at authorised lots have been doubled until February 28.