Delhi Air Pollution: Traffic Police Plans Strict Border Checks to Keep Non-Compliant Buses Out

New Delhi: There is little hope of getting relief from the problem of air pollution in the capital, Delhi, for the next few days. It is estimated that the share of stubble smoke in pollution can reach 15 percent. In view of the worsening air quality, Delhi Traffic Police have prepared to increase strictness on polluting vehicles. Under this, joint teams will be deployed on the borders of Delhi and interstate buses violating the rules will be sent to other routes even before entering the capital. Apart from this, there is a plan to create a WhatsApp group to ensure compliance with the restrictions imposed on vehicles registered outside Delhi, increase checking of vehicles and better coordination between various agencies.

What steps will be taken to stop pollution in Delhi?

Delhi Traffic Police held a meeting with police and related agencies of neighbouring states on Thursday. In this, discussions were held on effectively implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the directives of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The meeting was presided over by Special CP (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhary. Officials were instructed to strictly follow the rules related to pollution control. According to DCP SK Singh of Traffic Police, the objective of the meeting was to discuss the necessary steps to reduce pollution and improve coordination between the concerned agencies.

Why will interstate buses be stopped at the border only?

Arrangements will be made to stop interstate and intercity buses that do not follow the rules in Delhi before entering them. According to officials, sending such buses on other routes after reaching the capital can increase the problem of traffic jams. This also increases pollution caused by vehicles.

As per the prescribed rules, the system of allowing electric, CNG and BS-6 diesel buses is in force in Delhi. Along with this, compliance with the entry restrictions applicable to vehicles registered outside Delhi from November 1 to January 31 will be ensured. Vehicles exempted under the rules will get relief from this. There is also a plan to install information boards on the borders of Delhi so that drivers can get information about restrictions and entry-related rules in advance.

How will action be taken against polluting vehicles?

Joint enforcement teams of various agencies will be formed on the borders of Delhi to control pollution. These teams will check vehicles and ensure adherence to no-entry timings. Action will also be taken against vehicles moving away from the prescribed route and overloaded vehicles.

Surveillance will also be increased on vehicles carrying material released from construction and demolition in violation of the prescribed standards. Municipal bodies have been instructed to regularly sprinkle water and adopt necessary measures to reduce dust on construction sites and roads.

Why can pollution persist for five days?

According to a study, due to adverse atmospheric conditions, pollution in Delhi can persist for several days. Research published in the journal Environmental Pollution has shown that temperature is a major factor affecting pollution levels. This study is associated with researchers from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Central Pollution Control Board. In such circumstances, the spread of pollutant particles may be affected and the air quality may remain poor. 

Why will a WhatsApp group be formed?

A WhatsApp group of officials of concerned departments will be formed to quickly implement the instructions related to pollution control. Through this, information related to action and compliance with rules can be shared.

The traffic police have appealed to the drivers to have valid pollution control certificates and follow the applicable rules. The authorities are trying to reduce vehicle emissions and control the pollution situation in the capital. However, how much these measures will improve air quality will also depend on weather and other sources of pollution.