New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI) In response to rising air pollution levels in the national Capital, the Delhi government on Thursday undertook a comprehensive monitoring exercise to assess the impact of the stringent measures implemented for checking pollution.
The government stated that strict compliance with its orders was ensured, with various departments working in close coordination. As part of this effort, joint intensive enforcement drives were conducted, and challans were issued against violators contributing to air pollution.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reviewed feedback received from her Cabinet colleagues and their respective departments and observed that the measures implemented by the government have delivered positive results on the ground.
To ensure effective enforcement, joint and intensive campaigns were carried out by multiple departments.
The government reiterated that it is fully complying with the directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). In accordance with these directions, Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) is currently in force in the Capital.
Under GRAP-4, intensive inspection and enforcement drives were conducted, and strict action was taken against violations. As per a joint report of the Delhi Transport Department and the Delhi Traffic Police, a total of 210 enforcement teams were deployed for this special drive, including 126 teams of the Delhi Traffic Police and 84 teams of the Delhi Transport Department.
During the campaign, stringent action was taken against vehicles operating without valid PUC certificates. The Delhi Traffic Police issued 2,743 challans, while the Delhi Transport Department issued 316 challans. Additionally, 687 challans were issued through the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.
In total, 3,746 challans were recorded against vehicles without PUC certificates.
Action was also taken against violations of GRAP norms. According to the report, the Delhi Traffic Police issued 363 challans, while the Delhi Transport Department issued 34 challans in such cases, taking the total number of GRAP-related challans to 397.
Officials said that following the government’s directives, a noticeable reduction in vehicular movement was observed on Delhi’s roads compared to normal days. A significant and encouraging trend was also noted, with a large number of vehicle owners voluntarily obtaining their Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, which the government termed a positive indicator of growing public awareness.
The Delhi government has implemented several key measures to curb pollution, including directions for 50 per cent of staff to work from home in all government and private offices, strict enforcement of the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule, and a ban on the entry of non-BS-VI vehicles into Delhi.
Keeping social considerations in mind, the government has also decided to provide direct financial assistance of ₹10,000 (DBT) to construction workers affected by the temporary ban on construction activities.
Under GRAP-4, necessary restrictions have also been imposed on schools and public activities. The government stated that the objective of these measures is to reduce vehicular emissions, curb pollution-causing activities, provide immediate relief to public health, and ensure awareness and strict enforcement for long-term solutions.
Monitoring and strict enforcement will continue in the days ahead, officials added.
As part of focused efforts to curb road dust, 397 anti-smog guns have been deployed at various locations, while 276 water sprinklers have been installed to suppress dust from roads and open stretches.
Under the mechanical cleaning initiative, 73 mechanical road sweeping machines have been deployed. Through these machines, mechanical sweeping has been carried out on roads covering over 2,177.2 km, significantly contributing to the reduction of road dust levels.
The Delhi government has installed a mist spray system at ITO. This system neutralises dust pollution particles. The system is also being installed in other areas of Delhi.
Delhi govt monitors impact of anti-pollution measures
