Delhi Govt Raises Concern Over Pending Pollution Challans

The Delhi government has highlighted the issue of pending challans for not having a valid Pollution Under Control PUC Certificate, impacting enforcement efforts. Over 90% of such challans remain unpaid, posing a challenge to pollution control measures.

The Delhi government has expressed concern over the high pendency of challans issued for not having a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate. In a letter to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Tis Hazari court, the Transport Department highlighted that more than 90% of such challans remain unpaid, impacting enforcement efforts.

High Pendency of Challans

According to the letter, nearly 75% of the challans issued during the period when the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restrictions were in force have not been paid. The department noted that this pendency is becoming a challenge in enforcing pollution-related regulations on vehicles.

Need for Judicial Intervention

The letter emphasized the need for taking up the issue with the higher judiciary to establish a system for clearing all challans related to pollution without reducing penalties. The department cited data showing that a total of 36,225 PUCC challans were issued last year, with over 91% remaining pending. A fine of Rs 10,000 is imposed for not having a valid PUCC.

Additional Challans for GRAP Violations

In addition to the PUCC challans, the department also issued 1,095 challans for plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, in violation of GRAP restrictions, from October 1, 2022 to March 1, 2023. Seventy-five percent of these challans are also pending, according to official data.

The Delhi government's letter underscores the need for effective enforcement of pollution control measures to improve air quality in the city. Addressing the high pendency of challans and ensuring timely payment of fines are crucial steps in achieving this goal.