Pollution: Over 54,000 vehicles fined, 56 construction sites shut in Delhi-NCR

The Centre’s panel for enhancing air quality in Delhi-NCR announced that it had ordered the closure of 56 construction and demolition sites and imposed fines on 597 sites for failing to meet pollution control norms between October 15 and 31.

In a statement, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reported that over 54,000 vehicles were fined for not having a valid pollution-under-control certificate, and 3,900 vehicles exceeding the age limit were impounded during this period.

The CAQM stated that more than 5,300 inspections were conducted to target illegal waste dumping sites, with actions taken against violations, especially for municipal solid waste burning.

To mitigate road dust, mechanical road-sweeping machines, water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns have been deployed across the region.

On average, around 600 water sprinklers and anti-smog guns were used daily throughout NCR.

Approximately 1,400 industrial units and 1,300 diesel generator sets were inspected, with fines or closures imposed on those that were non-compliant, according to the CAQM.

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Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been in effect in Delhi-NCR since October 15, with Stage II implemented from October 22.

The CAQM mentioned that a GRAP Monitoring Control Room has been operational since October 15 to monitor targeted actions by NCR states.

A dedicated WhatsApp group is also in place to facilitate real-time updates between the control room and nodal officers.

GRAP is a set of emergency measures enforced during the winter season to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The plan is divided into four stages based on Delhi’s air quality levels: Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300); Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400); Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV – ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI>450).

(With inputs from PTI)