GRAP-IV Flags Polluting Vehicles, But Emission Testing Gaps Raise Questions

New Delhi: Under GRAP-IV, the most stringent phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implemented in Delhi, action against polluting vehicles has intensified, but the shortcomings in emission testing have blurred the entire picture.

How many vehicles came under scrutiny under GRAP-IV?

According to state government data, a large number of vehicles have been checked so far under the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule. During this period, more than 10 thousand vehicles were found that did not meet the emission standards, while PUC certificates were issued to more than two lakh vehicles. These figures are raising questions about whether the current testing system is actually able to accurately assess road pollution.

Is the PUC investigation able to show real pollution?

Officials associated with the Environment Department say that the existing PUC testing system still works within a limited scope. Most testing is done only at the basic level, due to which many hazardous gases and actual emission levels are not captured. Experts believe that due to this, many vehicles look fit on paper, but in reality, they keep spreading pollution.

What is the biggest flaw in the investigation system?

The government is now preparing to overcome this deficiency. Plans are underway to upgrade PUC testing centers and implement third-party audits to make testing more transparent and reliable. Officials say that the new steps will prevent fake or lax investigations.

What is the government doing to overcome this shortage?

However, environmental experts clearly say that unless the testing system is linked with modern technology and there is strict monitoring, it will be difficult to control pollution on the basis of data alone. He believes that strict rules like GRAP-IV will be effective only when emissions testing is implemented honestly on the ground.

Will the air be cleaned only by strict rules?

Delhi's air is already in serious trouble. In such a situation, the question is whether the current system is really able to catch the polluters or the real problem is still hidden behind the figures.