Context:
- The Delhi government has announced the development of a carpooling app and a comprehensive overhaul of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification centres to reduce vehicular emissions, a major contributor to Delhi’s chronic air pollution problem.
- The announcement comes amid very poor AQI levels, political allegations, and ongoing implementation of GRAP measures.
Key Highlights:
Government Initiative / Policy Details
- Proposal to launch a government-backed carpooling app that is easy to download, use, and verify, aiming to reduce the number of vehicles on roads.
- Integrated traffic management system under development, including interlinking traffic signals to ease congestion and reduce idling emissions.
- Overhaul of PUC centres to address shortcomings, corruption, and inefficiency in emission testing.
Data, Targets, Schemes Mentioned
- Vehicles identified as a primary source of urban air pollution in Delhi.
- New rules and SOPs for PUC certification to come into effect.
Stakeholders Involved
- Delhi Environment Department
- Transport Department & PUC Centres
- Motorists and app users
- Opposition parties (AAP, BJP)
Significance / Concerns
- Addresses behavioural change through carpooling alongside regulatory reform.
- Allegations of politicisation of air pollution highlight governance and accountability challenges.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS II: Governance, policy implementation, centre–state coordination
- GS III: Environment, pollution control, urban transport
- GS IV: Ethics in public administration, accountability