Delhi/Alive News: Delhi winter pollution control measures came into effect on November 1, with authorities imposing fines and environmental compensation worth ₹68.4 lakh on violators on the first day. The enforcement drive continued until 5 pm on Sunday, targeting polluting vehicles and construction sites.
Under the new restrictions, vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards are prohibited from entering the national capital. During the first day of enforcement, authorities checked 14,930 vehicles at Delhi’s borders, of which 1,539 were turned back. A total of 127 challans were issued and 62 vehicles were seized.
The authorities also issued 566 challans to vehicles found operating without valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), imposing fines worth ₹56.6 lakh.
Action against construction sites
The administration inspected 300 construction and demolition sites to check compliance with dust control regulations. Of these, 32 were found violating the norms and faced environmental compensation of ₹9.8 lakh. Authorities also issued 17 closure orders and 19 notices. No violations were reported at essential infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police issued 493 challans, amounting to ₹49.3 lakh, while the Transport Department issued 73 challans worth ₹7.3 lakh.
Restrictions to continue during winter
Under the winter action plan, the ban on non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi will remain in force until January 31. Dust-generating construction and demolition activities will also face restrictions, with all such work suspended from December 10 to January 20, except for essential projects.
Parking fees at authorised sites will remain doubled until February 28. Government and private offices will be allowed to have a maximum of 50% of their employees working from offices until January 31, with the remaining staff working from home, except in essential services.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa urged residents to obtain valid PUCC certificates and comply with pollution control regulations.
What is GRAP?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was introduced in January 2017 to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR. It provides for restrictions in four stages based on the severity of air pollution and the Air Quality Index (AQI).
