Delhi slaps Rs 68.4 lakh fines, turns back 1,500 vehicles in anti-pollution drive

Delhi authorities imposed penalties and environmental compensation totalling Rs 68.4 lakh on the first day of the Winter Action Plan, as enforcement teams checked nearly 15,000 vehicles, turned back 1,539 at border points and issued 566 challans for violations of Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) norms.According to official data available till 5 pm on Sunday, the penalties included Rs 56.6 lakh for PUCC violations, Rs 2 lakh for breaches of vehicle entry restrictions and Rs 9.8 lakh in environmental compensation for violations of dust control norms at construction and demolition sites, PTI reported.Under the restrictions on non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles, the Delhi Traffic Police and Transport Department checked 14,930 vehicles, turning back around 10.31 per cent of them. A total of 127 challans were issued and 62 vehicles impounded, with fines amounting to Rs 2 lakh.Among the vehicles turned back were 140 light motor vehicles (LMVs), 54 light commercial vehicles (LCVs), 95 heavy goods vehicles and 34 buses. Of the 1,423 two-wheelers, three-wheelers and other vehicles checked, 789 were turned back and 38 impounded. Separately, 7,279 non-destined vehicles were checked, of which 314 were turned back. No challans were issued in this category. Meanwhile, 740 vehicles running on compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicles (EVs) and those involved in essential services were verified and allowed entry as they were exempted from the restrictions.PUCC VIOLATIONS ACCOUNT FOR MAJORITY OF FINESIn a separate enforcement drive against vehicles operating without valid PUCC certificates, authorities issued 566 challans and imposed fines of Rs 56.6 lakh. The Delhi Traffic Police issued 493 challans, amounting to Rs 49.3 lakh, while the Transport Department issued 73 challans, imposing fines of Rs 7.3 lakh.300 CONSTRUCTION SITES INSPECTEDThe enforcement drive against dust pollution at construction and demolition sites resulted in environmental compensation of Rs 9.8 lakh. Authorities inspected 300 construction sites and found 32 violating dust control norms.Of the 91 large sites, with plot areas exceeding 500 square metres, 16 were found violating the norms. Two closure directions and four show-cause notices were issued, while environmental compensation of Rs 4 lakh was imposed.Among 209 smaller sites, 17 were found violating dust control rules. Authorities issued 15 closure directions and 15 show-cause notices, imposing compensation of Rs 5.8 lakh.In total, 17 closure directions and 19 show-cause notices were issued across the 300 inspected sites. No violations were reported at exempted infrastructure projects.Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said in a post on X that enforcement teams were checking compliance with vehicle entry restrictions, PUCC requirements and construction dust regulations."Today 14,930 vehicles checked, 566 PUC challans and 300 sites inspected. Keep PUC valid, follow entry rules and dust norms. The quest for clean air needs our collective efforts," he said.WINTER CURBS IN FORCE TILL FEBRUARY 28The restrictions under Delhi's Winter Action Plan will remain in force for varying periods between November 1 and February 28 to tackle air pollution.Non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles will not be allowed to enter the national capital until January 31. Dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities have also been prohibited, except for specified essential public infrastructure projects.A complete ban on construction and demolition activities, subject to certain exemptions, will remain in force between December 10 and January 20.Additionally, parking fees at authorised parking lots across Delhi have been doubled until February 28.Government and private offices have also been directed to restrict physical attendance to 50 per cent between November 1 and January 31, with the remaining employees working from home. Essential and emergency services have been exempted.- Ends