GRAP-1 Returns in Delhi NCR, Checking for Valid PUC Intensifies; Check Your Vehicle Status to Avoid Rs 10,000 Fine

The air quality of Delhi NCR has been under global spotlight for many years. With air quality levels deteriorating once again this summer across Delhi-NCR, authorities have reimposed GRAP-1 restrictions in the region. GRAP-1 aims to tackle dust-control and traffic management measures. Under these restrictions enforcement agencies have stepped up checks on vehicles running without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.

Motorists found driving without a valid PUC certificate can face a penalty of Rs 10,000 or six-months of imprisonment or both. The renewed enforcement drive is being carried out across Delhi and adjoining NCR regions as authorities attempt to curb vehicular emissions during worsening AQI conditions.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated GRAP Stage-I after the Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the “Poor” category in parts of Delhi-NCR. Under the first stage of GRAP, civic bodies and enforcement agencies are directed to intensify anti-pollution measures including water sprinkling, mechanised road sweeping, congestion management, and stricter monitoring of vehicular emissions. Authorities are also increasing surveillance on older vehicles and visibly polluting vehicles operating on public roads.

Under GRAP-1 transport department officials and Delhi Traffic Police teams have intensified roadside verification drives at key junctions, border points, and fuel stations. Vehicles without a valid PUC certificate are being issued challans on the spot.

The crackdown is also being supported through digital verification systems linked to vehicle registration databases. Officials say the objective is to improve compliance and reduce pollution caused by poorly maintained vehicles.

In several earlier GRAP enforcement phases, many challans were issued for PUC-related violations across Delhi-NCR.

Vehicle owners can check the validity of their PUC certificate through the official VAHAN portal or by referring to the expiry date printed on the certificate.

A PUC certificate is mandatory for all petrol, diesel and CNG vehicles operating on Indian roads. While new vehicles receive an initial validity period from the manufacturer, periodic emission testing becomes compulsory thereafter.

What should vehicle owners take care of under GRAP-1:

If the AQI situation doesn’t improve in the region, then stricter GRAP-2, GRAP-3 and GRAP-4 restrictions will be implemented to improve the air quality.