PUCC violations: 1.5 lakh challans till Oct 15, mostly to two-wheelers

NEW DELHI: Two-wheelers were the biggest contributors to vehicular pollution in the city followed by cars this year, traffic police's data reveals. With winter setting in and the air quality being in the poor category, Delhi Traffic Police has launched a crackdown on vehicles operating without a Pollution under Control Certificate (PUCC).
Till October 15, a total of 1,58,762 challans were issued with regard to vehicles driving without PUCC, a rise of 46 per cent from last year during the same time frame.The comparative data of the last four years shows an increase in the number of PUCC violations, except during the Covid period in 2020.
As per data of the vehicle-wise prosecution without PUCC, two-wheelers are the highest contributors followed by cars. This year, a total of 1,18,409 two-wheelers were prosecuted with regard to pollution certificate violation in comparison to 33,754 cars. Other vehicles, which were found to be plying without a valid PUCC, included vans, taxis and trucks.
Prince Singhal, road safety expert and founder of Community Against Drunken Driving, said, "Seeing the poor air quality of the capital, every step towards checking the source of pollution will reap results. Checks should be conducted throughout the year and authorities should also impose heavy fines against people who don't drive with PUCCs. This will make vehicle users more prompt about getting PUCC checks. Apart from impounding old petrol and diesel vehicles, penalising trucks and tractors carrying construction material and rubble uncovered is also important".
Delhi Traffic Police is taking various steps to check air pollution in the city, which also includes enforcement of the directions issued by different courts and government agencies to maintain ambient air quality.
It is mandatory for a vehicle plying in India to have a valid PUCC and to carry the copy of it. The main purpose behind this is to only allow those vehicles on the roads that are following emission norms as regulated by the government of India. Air pollution is a major problem in India, and it is caused by a number of factors, including emission from vehicles.
A valid PUCC certifies that a vehicle has passed a pollution control test and emitting harmful gases within prescribed range. The vehicles plying without valid PUCC are booked under section 190 (2) Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 & 115 Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 and prescribed punishment is fine of Rs 10,000, including disqualification of licence for 3 months during first offence.