Sun Nov 17 18:18:06 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Police Crack Down on Polluting Vehicles Amidst Severe Air Pollution
**New Delhi, November 14** – Delhi Traffic Police have significantly stepped up their crackdown on vehicles lacking valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, issuing a record number of challans in a bid to combat the city’s severe air pollution. As of October 31st, 2024, over 2.78 lakh vehicles have been fined ₹10,000 each for this violation – a substantial increase from 2.32 lakh in 2023 and 1.64 lakh in 2022.
The heightened enforcement comes as Delhi grapples with ‘very poor’ air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering around 361 on Wednesday. In addition to the challans, authorities have impounded 3,908 end-of-life petrol and diesel vehicles, the highest number in three years.
A special drive in October alone resulted in over 47,000 challans issued at various locations across the city. Overall traffic violations have also increased, with over 4.55 lakh challans issued this year for various offences, though slightly lower than last year’s 4.70 lakh. Over 9.35 lakh notices have been sent for traffic rule violations in 2024. The police action highlights the city’s determination to address vehicle emissions as a major contributor to Delhi’s persistent air pollution problem.
First Piper 