The Delhi Traffic Police has started cracking down on violators of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) III in the national capital. On the first day of the ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, around 550 challans were issued with a total fine of over Rs 1 crore. Additionally, 4,855 vehicles were also fined for not having a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The ban also extends to inter-state buses from NCR cities into Delhi. Traffic police have intensified checking and returned over 300 prohibited vehicles, prosecuting those without PUCC certificates. This comes as the city faces severe air pollution levels and the Delhi government implements restrictions under stage III of the GRAP.
Delhi Police Intensifies Crackdown on Pollution Violators Amid Severe Air Quality
Background:
Delhi has long been battling severe air pollution, with vehicle emissions being a major contributing factor. To combat this, the city government has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of measures aimed at reducing pollution based on air quality severity.
Current Crackdown:
Recently, the Delhi Traffic Police launched a crackdown on violators of GRAP III, which was implemented due to the deteriorating air quality. On the first day of the ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, 550 challans were issued, totaling over Rs 1 crore in fines. Additionally, 4,855 vehicles were fined for not possessing a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).
The ban also extends to inter-state buses from neighboring cities entering Delhi. Traffic police have stepped up inspections and turned back over 300 prohibited vehicles, prosecuting those without PUCC certificates.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?
GRAP is a set of measures designed to reduce air pollution in Delhi based on the severity of air quality. It consists of four stages, with Stage I involving advisory measures and Stage IV imposing the most stringent restrictions.
2. What is the ban on BS III and BS IV vehicles under GRAP III?
Under GRAP III, BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles are prohibited from entering Delhi. These vehicles fail to meet stricter emission standards and contribute significantly to air pollution.
3. What is a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC)?
A PUCC is a certificate issued to vehicles that have passed an emission test. It indicates that the vehicle meets the prescribed emission standards.
4. Why are inter-state buses from NCR cities banned under GRAP III?
These buses often contribute to air pollution in Delhi. The ban aims to reduce the number of diesel vehicles entering the city.
5. What are the penalties for violating GRAP?
Violating GRAP can result in fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000, depending on the nature of the violation.
Conclusion:
The Delhi Traffic Police's crackdown on pollution violators is a necessary step to improve air quality in the national capital. By enforcing restrictions on polluting vehicles and issuing fines, the authorities aim to discourage violations and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for Delhi's residents.
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