Over 3,700 fines issued as pollution norms enforced

Delhi Traffic Police issued 2,743 challans to vehicles without valid PUC certificates, while the Transport Department issued 316 challans after the implementation of strict anti-pollution measures under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4). According to the Government, intensive joint enforcement drives during the current pollution spell led to thousands of challans, while compliance with Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms improved significantly.

An additional 687 challans were also generated through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. In all, 3,746 challans were issued for PUC-related violations. 

The Delhi Government said on Thursday that strict anti-pollution measures are beginning to show results, with reduced vehicular movement on roads and a sharp rise in enforcement against polluters.

Officials said traffic volumes on major roads were visibly lower than on normal days, an outcome attributed to work-from-home orders, entry restrictions on polluting vehicles, and strict checks at borders and fuel stations.

“The measures have delivered positive results on the ground,” the Government said, citing better public cooperation and enforcement.

GRAP-4, the strictest stage of the Graded Response Action Plan, is currently in force in Delhi in line with directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

Under this stage, the Government intensified inspections and deployed large enforcement teams to curb vehicular and other emission sources. A total of 210 enforcement teams were deployed for the special drive, including 126 teams from the Delhi Traffic Police and 84 teams from the Delhi Transport Department.

Their focus was on vehicles operating without valid PUC certificates and violations of GRAP norms.

Action was also taken against breaches of GRAP restrictions. The Traffic Police issued 363 challans for GRAP violations, while the Transport Department issued 34, taking the total to 397 challans. Officials said a “notable and encouraging trend” was the voluntary rush by vehicle owners to obtain or renew their PUC certificates.

The Government described this as a sign of growing public awareness and acceptance of the health risks posed by air pollution. Beyond enforcement, the Government highlighted a set of parallel measures aimed at reducing emissions and easing the impact on citizens.

These include the ‘no PUC, no fuel’ rule, a ban on the entry of non-BS VI outstation vehicles into Delhi, and directions for 50 per cent of staff to work from home in Government and private offices.

The Government has also announced direct financial assistance of Rs 10,000 through DBT to construction workers affected by the temporary ban on construction activities under GRAP-4.

Dust control measures were also scaled up across the city. Officials said 397 anti-smog guns are currently deployed, along with 276 water sprinklers to suppress road dust. Mechanical road sweeping has been intensified, with 73 machines covering over 2,177 km of roads. The Government has also installed a mist spray system at ITO to neutralise dust particles. Similar systems are now being set up at other locations.

The Government said monitoring and enforcement will continue in the coming days. “The objective is immediate public health relief, strict compliance, and long-term behaviour change,” officials said, adding that departments remain on high alert as pollution levels continue to be closely tracked.