Delhi imposes Rs 11 crore in fines, most for pollution under control certificate violations

In the first nine days since the Winter Action Plan was implemented in Delhi on November 1, authorities imposed a total of Rs 11 crore in fines, with most of them related to violations of Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCCs). The Delhi Transport department and Delhi Police issued 8,288 challans for PUCC violations, collecting Rs 8,28,80,000.

Two-wheelers were found to be the most frequently targeted vehicles, followed by cars and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Many two-wheeler owners were operating vehicles with expired pollution certificates. Violations of non-BS-VI emission standards for vehicles led to the turning back of 18,304 vehicles at Delhi's borders, 1,451 being challaned and 119 impounded, resulting in penalties totaling Rs 1,16,28,000.

Private cars were the most frequently penalized for these violations, with 724 challans. Construction sites also faced penalties, with 4,004 inspected and 392 found to be in violation, leading to 81 sites being shut down and 312 receiving show-cause notices. The Delhi government's Winter Action Plan includes prohibiting outdoor construction activities and dust-generating demolition work until January 31, except for essential public infrastructure projects.

Vehicles exceeding their prescribed lifespan are now barred from refuelling at 500 petrol pumps with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Non-BS-VI petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi are prohibited from entering Delhi, while CNG and electric vehicles are exempt from the restriction.