Aggressive Enforcement Marks Day One of Winter Action Plan

Delhi authorities launched an intensive crackdown on pollution sources on the opening day of the Winter Action Plan, penalizing violators and restricting high-emission vehicles at border checkpoints. Government data released following the Sunday operations revealed that penalties and environmental compensation totaling Rs 68.4 lakh were levied.

The enforcement drive saw traffic police and transport department officials inspect nearly 15,000 vehicles. Out of these, 1,539 non-compliant pre-BS-VI vehicles attempting to enter the national capital were turned back at various border points.

According to official figures compiled until late afternoon on Sunday, the collected penalties comprised Rs 56.6 lakh for Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) violations, Rs 2 lakh for breaching border entry restrictions, and Rs 9.8 lakh in environmental compensation enforced against construction and demolition sites failing to adhere to dust control regulations.

Vehicle Restrictions and Exemptions

Under the strict regulations targeting pre-BS-VI vehicles from outside Delhi, enforcement teams checked 14,930 vehicles, resulting in an estimated 10.31 percent being rejected entry. The Delhi Traffic Police issued 127 challans and impounded 62 vehicles, accumulating Rs 2 lakh in fines from these specific entry violations.

The vehicles turned back at checkpoints included 140 light motor vehicles (LMVs), 54 light commercial vehicles (LCVs), 95 heavy goods vehicles, and 34 buses. Furthermore, out of 1,423 two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and miscellaneous vehicles checked, 789 were barred from entry, with 38 impounded.

Authorities also screened 7,279 non-destined transit vehicles, turning back 314 without issuing formal challans. However, vehicles operating on compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicles (EVs), and those designated for essential services were granted exemptions. A total of 740 such compliant vehicles were verified and permitted entry into the city.

Crackdown on PUCC Violations and Construction Dust

Parallel to the vehicle entry checks, a massive drive targeting expired or missing Pollution Under Control Certificates resulted in 566 challans and Rs 56.6 lakh in cumulative fines. The Delhi Traffic Police accounted for the majority, issuing 493 challans totaling Rs 49.3 lakh, while the Transport Department issued 73 challans amounting to Rs 7.3 lakh.

Dust pollution enforcement at construction sites also yielded immediate penalties. Out of 300 inspected construction sites across the city, 32 were found flouting dust control protocols.

Large-scale sites with plot areas exceeding 500 square meters accounted for 91 inspections, revealing 16 violations. Authorities responded by issuing two closure directions, four show-cause notices, and imposing Rs 4 lakh in environmental compensation. Among 209 smaller sites inspected, 17 were found non-compliant, leading to 15 closure directions, 15 show-cause notices, and Rs 5.8 lakh in penalties.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized the necessity of strict compliance, noting that collective public action alongside administrative enforcement remains vital in mitigating Delhi's chronic winter air pollution crisis.