Delhi authorities have enforced fines and environmental compensation amounting to Rs 68.4 lakh on the inaugural day of the Winter Action Plan. Enforcement teams conducted checks on nearly 15,000 vehicles, resulting in the turning back of 1,539 vehicles at various border points. Additionally, 566 challans were issued for violations related to the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) regulations.

According to data available until 5 pm on Sunday, the fines included Rs 56.6 lakh for PUCC violations, Rs 2 lakh for breaches of vehicle entry restrictions, and Rs 9.8 lakh for environmental compensation due to dust control violations at construction and demolition sites. The checks were aimed at ensuring compliance with the new regulations aimed at improving air quality in the capital.

Under the restrictions imposed on non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles, the Delhi Traffic Police and Transport Department inspected 14,930 vehicles and turned back about 10.31 per cent of them. A total of 127 challans were issued, and 62 vehicles were impounded, resulting in fines totalling Rs 2 lakh.

Details of Vehicles Turned Back and Challans Issued

The vehicles that were turned back included 140 light motor vehicles (LMVs), 54 light commercial vehicles (LCVs), 95 heavy goods vehicles, and 34 buses. Among the 1,423 two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and other vehicles checked, 789 were turned back, and 38 were impounded. In a separate category, 7,279 non-destined vehicles were inspected, with 314 turned back, although no challans were issued for these vehicles.

Authorities verified 740 vehicles running on compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicles (EVs), and those engaged in essential services, allowing them entry as they were exempt from the restrictions. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate the impact of vehicular pollution on air quality.

In a focused enforcement drive against vehicles operating without valid PUCC certificates, authorities issued 566 challans, imposing fines totalling Rs 56.6 lakh. The Delhi Traffic Police accounted for 493 of these challans, amounting to Rs 49.3 lakh, while the Transport Department issued 73 challans, imposing fines of Rs 7.3 lakh.

Inspection of Construction Sites and Environmental Compensation

The enforcement initiative also included inspections of construction and demolition sites, resulting in environmental compensation of Rs 9.8 lakh. Authorities inspected 300 construction sites, identifying 32 that violated dust control norms. Among the larger sites, 16 out of 91 were found non-compliant, leading to two closure directions and four show-cause notices.

In the smaller category of 209 sites, 17 were found violating dust control regulations, prompting 15 closure directions and 15 show-cause notices, with compensation of Rs 5.8 lakh imposed. Overall, 17 closure directions and 19 show-cause notices were issued across the inspected sites, highlighting the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa remarked on social media that enforcement teams were actively ensuring compliance with vehicle entry restrictions, PUCC requirements, and dust control regulations. He emphasised the need for collective efforts to achieve cleaner air in the capital.

Duration of Winter Action Plan Restrictions

The restrictions outlined in Delhi’s Winter Action Plan will remain effective for varying periods from November 1 until February 28, aimed at combating air pollution. Non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles will be barred from entering the national capital until January 31, while dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities have been prohibited, except for designated essential public infrastructure projects.

A complete ban on construction and demolition activities, with specific exemptions, will be enforced from December 10 to January 20. Furthermore, parking fees at authorised parking facilities across Delhi will be doubled until February 28. Government and private offices have been instructed to limit physical attendance to 50 per cent from November 1 to January 31, with remaining employees working remotely. Essential and emergency services are exempt from these restrictions.

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