PUC applications cross onelakh mark in just three days

In response to escalating air pollution concerns, over 100,000 vehicle owners have sought pollution under control (PUC) certificates within just three days, according to Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh. This surge in applications peaked on Friday, with nearly 47,600 requests submitted in a single day. The spike follows a directive issued by the Delhi government on December 17, which prohibits fuel sales at city petrol pumps to vehicles lacking a valid PUC certificate. This move aims to curb vehicular emissions amid deteriorating air quality in the capital.

Enforcement Measures and Impact on Vehicle Movement

To enforce the new regulations, combined efforts by the Delhi Police and Transport Enforcement teams have intensified checks under the GRAP-IV restrictions. These measures led to the issuance of 446 challans and the prevention of approximately 1,492 non-compliant vehicles from entering Delhi. Notably, vehicles not registered in Delhi and failing to meet BS-VI emission standards are barred from city entry, reflecting a stringent approach to controlling pollution sources.

Minister Singh highlighted the role of specialized teams from the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), Delhi Traffic Police, and enforcement personnel who utilized ANPR camera-based monitoring alongside on-ground inspections. This technology-driven enforcement resulted in 12,200 challans, with first-time offenders receiving warnings to encourage compliance. The Minister expressed optimism that these sustained policy actions are beginning to yield tangible improvements in air quality management.

Current Air Quality Status and Weather Influence

Despite these efforts, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi remained alarmingly high, registering 398 at 4:30 p.m., just below the ‘severe’ pollution threshold. The previous dayS AQI was slightly lower at 382. Meteorological conditions, including strong winds and cold, foggy mornings, have influenced pollution dispersion and visibility, complicating efforts to improve air quality rapidly.

Experts forecast that the city’s air quality will likely stay within the ‘severe’ category until at least December 22, underscoring the persistent challenge of pollution control during winter months when atmospheric conditions often trap pollutants close to the ground.

Advancing Clean Mobility and Health Preparedness

recognizing that transport emissions contribute approximately 20-25% of Delhi’s pollution, the government is accelerating initiatives to promote cleaner transportation options. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has seen remarkable growth, with over 100,000 EVs registered in the first ten months of the current year alone, surpassing last year’s total of around 80,000 registrations.This shift reflects a strategic push towards lasting urban mobility.

In parallel, Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, who also oversees the Health portfolio, has mandated all government hospitals to stock essential medicines and deploy specialists to manage pollution-related health issues. Special attention is being given to respiratory ailments such as asthma and other breathing disorders. The Minister emphasized the dual approach of reducing pollution at its source while ensuring accessible, quality healthcare for affected citizens.

Significant Facts: Key Points to Remember

• Over 100,000 vehicle owners applied for PUC certificates within three days following the December 17 order.
• 47,600 applications were received on a single day (Friday).
• GRAP-IV restrictions prevent non-Delhi-registered vehicles not meeting BS-VI standards from entering Delhi.
• 446 challans were issued, and about 1,492 vehicles were stopped from entering the city during enforcement drives.
• ANPR camera-based enforcement led to 12,200 challans, with warnings for first-time offenders.
• The AQI in Delhi reached 398 on the afternoon of the report day, indicating ‘severe’ pollution levels.
• Transport emissions contribute roughly 20-25% of Delhi’s total pollution load.
• More than 100,000 electric vehicles were registered in Delhi in the first ten months of the current year, exceeding last year’s total.
• Government hospitals have been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of medicines and specialists for pollution-related respiratory conditions.
• Air quality is expected to remain in the ‘severe’ category until at least December 22.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the importance of the PUC certificate in Delhi? The PUC certificate verifies that a vehicle meets emission standards, and without it, vehicles are denied fuel and entry into Delhi to reduce pollution.

Q: What are the GRAP-IV restrictions? GRAP-IV is a set of pollution control measures that restrict entry of non-compliant vehicles, especially those not meeting BS-VI emission norms, to improve air quality.

Q: how effective has ANPR camera enforcement been? The use of ANPR cameras has resulted in over 12,000 challans, helping identify and penalize violators efficiently while issuing warnings to first-time offenders.

Q: Why is Delhi’s air quality still poor despite enforcement? Factors such as weather conditions, including cold, fog, and wind patterns, along with ongoing pollution sources, contribute to sustained poor air quality despite enforcement efforts.

Q: What steps are being taken to address health impacts of pollution? The government has directed hospitals to stock essential medicines and deploy specialists to treat pollution-related respiratory diseases, ensuring timely healthcare access.