Delhi: Over 1,500 vehicles turned back as pollution curbs take effect
Authorities imposed fines and environmental compensation totaling Rs 68.4 lakh on the first day of the Winter Action Plan.
The Delhi Winter Action Plan to curb pollution came into effect on November 1, resulting in 1,539 vehicles being turned back at city borders on the first day, according to reports by Times Now and Bhaskar English.
Under the plan, petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards are barred from entering the national capital. Electric and CNG vehicles, along with those involved in essential services, are exempt from these restrictions.
Enforcement teams checked 14,930 vehicles on Sunday. Authorities imposed a total of Rs 68.4 lakh in fines and environmental compensation. This included Rs 56.6 lakh for Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) violations, Rs 2 lakh in fines for border entry restriction violations, and Rs 9.8 lakh in environmental compensation for construction and demolition-related violations.
The administration also inspected 300 construction sites, finding 32 in violation of dust control norms. This resulted in 17 closure directions and 19 show-cause notices being issued.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that enforcement teams are checking compliance with vehicle entry restrictions, PUCC norms, and construction dust regulations. He urged people to obtain a PUCC and follow the rules.
The restrictions, part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), will see the ban on non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles remain in place until January 31.