Faced with the complexity of implementing Government’s plan to sell petroleum products to only those with pollution under control (PUC) certificates, Delhi Government is contemplating starting it in a phased manner. Chief Secretary DM Spolia however, has ruled out any change in the December 1 deadline for PUC.
Sources told The Pioneer that the Government is mulling plans to make PUC mandatory for tanking up at gas stations. In the first phase, this will be de rigueur for diesel run vehicles and commercial vehicles. In the second phase, it would be extended to petrol vehicles.
The Environment Department is working out a proposal since the Government is faced with practical difficulties of implementing it from December 1. Besides, security of petrol pump owners/employees will be another issue requiring redressal. The Government has also sought comment from Delhi Police in this regard. “It would be a mess if the Government decides to go ahead without doing its homework,” said insiders, adding, “Petrol pumps are also not equipped for want of upgradation. There is also a need to increase the timings of PUC from 9 am to 5 pm.”
“The officials in Raj Niwas should explore all aspects of the proposal before fixing a date for implementation,” said insiders, adding, officials at Raj Niwas failed to appraise the lieutenant Governor on this issue.
Currently, only about 33 per cent vehicles have valid PUC certificates in Delhi. Out of a total 80 lakh vehicles registered in Delhi, 30 lakh-40 lakh are on road every day. Out of these, only 12 lakh to 15 lakh vehicles have a valid PUC certificate. Delhi, having shifted to Euro-IV fuel, needs to upgrade the PUC norms urgently. It is noted that a High Powered Committee, set up by lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, on air pollution in its recommendations has suggested tightening of PUC norms. At present, there are 326 Government-approved computerised checking centres for petrol and CNG vehicles at different petrol pumps and workshops and another 169 such checking centres for diesel vehicles in the city. About 10 lakh vehicles coming into the Capital from NCR towns are a major area of concern as there is virtually no pollution testing in these cities. Besides a PUC certificate, the Transport Department will also give a sticker bearing registration number of the vehicle and date of PUC certificate validity.
As per law, all vehicles plying in the city are required to carry a valid PUC certificate after one year from the date of first registration. Any vehicle found without a valid certificate is liable to be prosecuted under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, under which there is a fine of Rs1,000 for the first offence and Rs2,000 for every subsequent violation. The present PUC is a paper printout giving vehicle details and validity of the PUC.