Delhi's winter pollution curbs kick off with Rs 68.4 lakh in fines, 1,539 vehicles turned back on day one

The Winter Action Plan kicked off successfully in Delhi, with enforcement teams collecting fines of Rs 68.4 lakh on day one. A total of 14,930 vehicles underwent inspection, with 1,539 turned back and 566 challans issued for pollution discrepancies. In their efforts to mitigate dust pollution, officials examined 300 construction sites, resulting in Rs 9.8 lakh levied for infractions.

Delhi authorities collected Rs 68.4 lakh in penalties and environmental compensation on the first day of the Winter Action Plan, as enforcement teams checked nearly 15,000 vehicles, turned back 1,539 at border points and issued 566 challans for violations of Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) norms.

Data released by the environment department for Sunday up to 5 pm showed that Rs 56.6 lakh was collected in fines for PUCC violations, while Rs 2 lakh was imposed for breaches of vehicle entry restrictions. Construction and demolition sites found violating dust-control rules attracted environmental compensation of Rs 9.8 lakh.

As part of the restrictions on non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI emission standards, the Delhi Traffic Police and Transport Department checked 14,930 vehicles. Of these, around 10.3% were turned back at entry points.

Enforcement teams issued 127 challans and impounded 62 vehicles, collecting Rs 2 lakh in fines for violations of the entry restrictions. The vehicles turned back included 140 light motor vehicles, 54 light commercial vehicles, 95 heavy goods vehicles and 34 buses.

Of the 1,423 two-wheelers, three-wheelers and other vehicles checked, 789 were denied entry and 38 were impounded. Separately, authorities checked 7,279 non-destined vehicles and turned back 314 of them. No challans were issued in this category.

Vehicles running on compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicles and those engaged in essential services were exempt from the restrictions. Authorities verified 740 such vehicles and permitted them to enter the city.

Enforcement against vehicles without valid PUCCs resulted in 566 challans and fines of Rs 56.6 lakh. The Delhi Traffic Police accounted for 493 challans, involving Rs 49.3 lakh in penalties, while the Transport Department issued the remaining 73 challans and collected Rs 7.3 lakh.

The drive also targeted dust pollution at construction and demolition sites. Of the 300 sites inspected, 32 were found violating dust-control norms, attracting environmental compensation of Rs 9.8 lakh.

Among the 91 large construction sites, covering plots of more than 500 square metres, 16 were found to be in violation. Authorities issued two closure directions and four show-cause notices to these sites and imposed compensation of Rs 4 lakh.

Of the 209 smaller sites, with plot areas below 500 square metres, 17 were found flouting the norms. They were issued 15 closure directions and 15 show-cause notices, with compensation totalling Rs 5.8 lakh.

Across all 300 sites, authorities issued 17 closure directions and 19 show-cause notices. No dust-control violations were reported at infrastructure projects exempted from the restrictions.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said enforcement teams were monitoring compliance with vehicle entry restrictions, PUCC requirements and construction dust regulations.

"Today 14,930 vehicles checked, 566 PUC challans and 300 sites inspected. Keep PUC valid, follow entry rules and dust norms. The quest for clean air needs our collective efforts," he said in a post on X.

The Winter Action Plan restrictions will remain in force for different durations between November 1 and February 28. Non-Delhi-registered vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards are barred from entering the capital until January 31.

Dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities have also been prohibited, except for specified essential public infrastructure projects. A broader ban on construction and demolition work, subject to certain exemptions, will apply from December 10 to January 20.

The measures also include a doubling of parking charges at authorised parking facilities across Delhi until February 28. Government and private offices have been directed to cap physical attendance at 50% between November 1 and January 31, with the remaining employees working from home. Essential and emergency services are exempt.