New Monitoring Measures to Ensure Compliance with Pollution Norms
The Delhi government is set to escalate its vehicular pollution control measures by installing special cameras at over 400 petrol pumps across the capital. This initiative follows the successful pilot project at 25 petrol pumps, aiming to ensure that all vehicles plying on the roads have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
Implementation of Advanced Monitoring Technology: The Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (DTIDC) has rolled out tenders to install special cameras for PUC checks at 100 petrol pumps, with an estimated cost of six crore rupees. This move will eventually extend to more than 300 additional petrol stations, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the city.
Automated PUC Compliance and E-Challan System: Vehicles arriving at petrol pumps without a valid PUC will trigger an automated alert, sending a message to the vehicle owner’s mobile. If the PUC is not obtained within three hours, an e-challan will be issued, and the information will be sent to the owner’s mobile, enhancing compliance and enforcement.
Pilot Project Insights and Future Plans: The pilot project revealed that about 24% of vehicles at selected petrol pumps lacked a valid PUC certificate. Expanding this initiative, the DTIDC plans to equip all petrol pumps with software that scans number plates to verify PUC validity, aiding in the systematic enforcement of pollution control norms.
Statistical Insights and Impact: During the last financial year, Delhi had 79,45,596 registered vehicles, with a significant number lacking valid PUC certificates. In one month alone, 88,347 vehicles were checked for PUC at petrol pumps, of which 20,942 were found non-compliant. Post the alert, 15,740 vehicle owners promptly obtained their PUC certificates, while 5,202 owners were issued e-challans by the transport department.
PUC Testing Charges: The charges for PUC tests are nominal, with different rates for two-wheelers, petrol/CNG cars, and diesel vehicles, plus an additional 18% GST. This pricing ensures affordability while encouraging compliance among vehicle owners.
