In a significant crackdown on vehicular pollution, the Delhi Traffic Police has announced a stringent enforcement drive targeting vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. The move aims to curb the capital's deteriorating air quality by ensuring all vehicles on the road comply with emission norms.
Stricter Checks and Immediate Penalties
The police have directed all their units and personnel to intensify checking across the city. Under the enhanced measures, any vehicle found without a valid PUC certificate will face immediate legal consequences. The driver will be issued a challan under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
The most impactful part of the new directive is the instruction to petrol pump operators. They have been asked to refuse fuel to any vehicle that cannot produce a current and valid PUC certificate. This step directly links compliance to a basic necessity for vehicle operation, creating a powerful deterrent for defaulters.
Why This Crackdown Matters for Delhi
This enforcement push is not happening in isolation. It is a critical component of Delhi's broader Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat air pollution, especially as the winter season approaches. During winter, meteorological conditions often trap pollutants, leading to severe smog episodes.
Vehicles are a major contributor to Delhi's toxic air, releasing harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). A valid PUC certificate confirms that a vehicle's emissions are within the government-prescribed limits. Ensuring widespread compliance is, therefore, a direct action to reduce one of the key sources of pollution.
What Vehicle Owners Need to Know
For the residents of Delhi, the message is clear: ensure your vehicle's PUC certificate is up-to-date. The certificate is typically valid for one year for new petrol and CNG vehicles and for six months for older petrol vehicles and all diesel vehicles.
Failing to comply can now lead to a dual inconvenience: a financial penalty through a challan and the inability to refuel your vehicle. The police have emphasized that these checks will be conducted consistently, not as a one-time campaign, making adherence essential for all vehicle owners.
This proactive stance by the Delhi Traffic Police signals a shift towards stricter on-ground enforcement of environmental rules. It places the responsibility squarely on vehicle owners to maintain their vehicles in an emission-compliant state, contributing to a collective effort for cleaner air in the national capital.
