Delhi Imposes Rs 68.4 Lakh Fine In Anti-Pollution Drive, Turns Back 1,539 Vehicles

New Delhi: To control the increasing air pollution in Delhi, the government has started taking strict action under the Winter Action Plan. On the very first day of the campaign, on November 1, major action was taken against those violating the rules. The authorities imposed a total fine of Rs 68.4 lakh and environmental compensation. During this period, about 15 thousand vehicles were checked, while 1,539 vehicles were returned from the borders of Delhi. Apart from this, 566 challans were issued for not following Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) rules.

According to PTI report, the official figures till 5 pm on Sunday include environmental compensation of Rs 56.6 lakh for PUCC violation, Rs 2 lakh for breaking vehicle entry ban and Rs 9.8 lakh for violation of dust control rules at construction sites.

Which vehicles did not get entry into Delhi?

Delhi Traffic Police and Transport Department launched special drive against non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles. During this period, 14,930 vehicles were inspected and about 10.31 percent of these vehicles were sent back. 127 challans were issued and 62 vehicles were seized for violating the rules. A fine of Rs 2 lakh was imposed in this action.

The vehicles sent back included 140 light motor vehicles (LMVs), 54 light commercial vehicles (LCVs), 95 heavy goods vehicles and 34 buses. Apart from this, 1,423 other vehicles including two-wheelers and three-wheelers were examined, out of which 789 were returned.

How many challans are issued for not having PUCC certificate?

Strict action was also taken against vehicles running without valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The authorities issued a total of 566 challans and imposed a fine of Rs 56.6 lakh. Delhi Traffic Police issued 493 challans and collected a fine of Rs 49.3 lakh, while the Transport Department issued 73 challans and imposed a fine of Rs 7.3 lakh.

What action was taken at the construction sites?

Officials inspected 300 construction and demolition sites to control dust pollution. Of these, violation of rules was found at 32 places. The administration issued directions to close a total of 17 sites and issued 19 show cause notices.

Violations of rules were found at 16 out of 91 construction sites larger than 500 square meters. At the same time, out of 209 small sites, dust control rules were not being followed at 17 places. A total environmental compensation of Rs 9.8 lakh was imposed in all these cases.

How long will pollution control rules remain in force in Delhi?

Under Delhi's Winter Action Plan, various restrictions will be in force from November 1 to February 28. Entry of non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles will be banned till January 31. Demolition and outdoor construction activities that spread dust have also been banned. However, some essential public infrastructure projects have been exempted.

Apart from this, there will be a complete ban on construction and demolition activities except for some exemptions from December 10 to January 20. Parking charges at authorized parking spots in Delhi have also been doubled till February 28.

Government and private offices have been instructed to call only 50 percent of the employees to office from November 1 to January 31 and make the remaining employees work from home. Essential and emergency services will be exempted from this.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has also appealed to people to have valid PUCC, follow vehicle entry rules and dust control standards.