Delhi: Government Takes Swift Action Against Polluting Vehicles This Winter With New Fleet

In a bid to combat the adverse effects of air pollution exacerbated by the winter season, the Delhi government is gearing up to take stern action against vehicles that contribute to the city’s deteriorating air quality.

The Transport Department is all set to launch a strong initiative, with a fleet of new Innova cars and Apache motorcycles, to strengthen its enforcement efforts.

Those not following the Motor Vehicles Act will find it increasingly challenging to avoid the watchful eye of the Transport Department’s enforcement wing. Transport Commissioner Ashish Kundra has announced the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), marking the commencement of a vigorous campaign against polluting vehicles, starting this very week.

A dedicated force of approximately 80 teams will hit the streets, focusing not only on vehicles lacking valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates but also targeting the confiscation of older petrol and diesel vehicles that have seen better days. Up until now, a whopping 59.52 lakh vehicles have had their registrations canceled due to age-related issues.

Violators found operating vehicles without a valid PUC certificate will face severe penalties, including fines of Rs 10,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or even a combination of both. Additionally, their driving licenses could be suspended for up to 3 months.

The enforcement wing of the Transport Department is strategizing to deploy squads at strategic locations across the city, aiming to curb violations of various Motor Vehicles Act provisions. With the introduction of the new Innova cars and Apache motorcycles, escaping the law will be a daunting task for rule-breakers. These vigilant motorcycles will remain a constant presence on the streets, each patrolled by a team of two personnel vested with the authority to issue challans to offenders.

Likewise, the Innova cars will be in perpetual motion, ensuring that they are not stationary targets for those attempting to flout the rules. This proactive approach means that anyone disregarding traffic regulations can expect to be promptly issued a challan. The enforcement teams have been streamlined, with each team now comprising four members, maximizing their efficiency and coverage.

As the winter season approaches, Delhi is taking proactive steps to combat air pollution, sending a clear message to polluting vehicles: the authorities are on the move, and evading the rules is no longer an option.