Delhi Pollution Drive: ₹68.4 Lakh in Fines, 1,539 Vehicles Turned Back on Day 1

Delhi authorities imposed penalties and environmental compensation totalling ₹68.4 lakh on the first day of the Winter Action Plan, with nearly 15,000 vehicles checked and 1,539 turned back at border points, according to official data.

As of 5 pm on Sunday, enforcement teams had issued 566 challans for violations of Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) norms, attracting fines of ₹56.6 lakh. Another ₹2 lakh was imposed for violations of vehicle entry restrictions, while construction-related dust violations attracted ₹9.8 lakh in environmental compensation.

The Delhi Traffic Police and Transport Department checked 14,930 vehicles under restrictions on non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI emission standards. Of these, 1,539 were turned back, while 127 challans were issued and 62 vehicles impounded. CNG vehicles, electric vehicles and those involved in essential services were exempted.

Separately, 300 construction and demolition sites were inspected, with 32 found violating dust-control norms. Authorities issued 17 closure directions and 19 show-cause notices. Of the inspected sites, 91 were large plots exceeding 500 square metres, while 209 were smaller sites.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said enforcement teams were monitoring vehicle entry restrictions, PUCC compliance and construction dust regulations. He urged residents and businesses to follow the rules, stressing that clean air required collective efforts.

Under the Winter Action Plan, non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles are barred from entering the capital until January 31, subject to exemptions. Dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities have also been prohibited, except for specified essential public infrastructure projects. A broader construction and demolition ban, with certain exemptions, will apply from December 10 to January 20.

Additionally, parking fees at authorised lots have been doubled until February 28. Government and private offices must restrict physical attendance to 50 per cent from November 1 to January 31, with remaining employees working from home. Essential and emergency services are exempted from the attendance requirement.

`The measures are intended to curb pollution during Delhi’s winter season.