Over 2.6 Lakh Vehicles Fined Rs 260 Crore For Flouting Air Pollution Norms In Delhi Under GRAP

Multiple media reports have surfaced highlighting that the Delhi authorities have issued fines amounting to Rs 260 crore to over 2.6 lakh vehicles for not having valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) between October 16th to December 6th 2024. The enforcement for the same was carried out under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital.

The fines were issued in four stages of GRAP. In Stage 1, from October 16th to October 22nd 2024, over 12,000 challans were issued. In Stage 2, implemented from October 22nd to November 14th 2024, over 1.1 lakh challans were issued. In Stage 3, from November 15th to November 17th, over 13,000 challans were issued and in Stage 4, from November 18th to December 5th 2024, over 1.1 lakh challans were issued. After Stage 4 restrictions were lifted, over 8,000 challans were issued under renewed Stage 2 measures on December 6th and 7th 2024.

During GRAP enforcement about 11,427 vehicles exceeding the permissible age limit were impounded. Stage 2 accounted for about 5,346 vehicles and Stage 4 accounted for about 3,679 vehicles. Additionally, 730 vehicles were penalized for carrying uncovered construction and demolition waste across all stages.

The fine for vehicles without a valid PUCC was Rs 10,000 per violation. Authorities also worked to manage 681 identified traffic congestion points during the enforcement period.

The air quality in Delhi improved to the 'poor' category by December 1st 2024 but fluctuated in subsequent days followed with AQI levels fluctuating between the 'moderate' and 'very poor' categories. If AQI levels continue to deteriorate in the region GRAP restrictions can be implemented again.