Context:
- With severe air quality deterioration in Delhi, authorities enforced GRAP Stage IV (GRAP-IV) restrictions.
- The Delhi government intensified enforcement actions against polluting sources while simultaneously exploring structural transport solutions like pooled electric and non-polluting buses.
- The measures reflect a dual strategy: short-term emergency controls and medium-term systemic reforms.
Key Highlights:
Enforcement Under GRAP-IV
- Over 612 industrial units in Delhi found violating GRAP-IV norms.
- Actions taken include:
- 20,808 Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) challans.
- 3,771 challans issued to Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs).
- 2,360 challans to End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs).
- Border checks:
- 28,519 trucks checked at Delhi borders.
- 2,912 trucks stopped from entering the Capital.
- In one day:
- 2,254 PUCC challans issued.
- 155 challans for BS-VI emission norm violations.
- 1,623 challans against end-of-life vehicles.
- Over 1 lakh PUCCs issued in three days, indicating enforcement intensity.
No Fine Waiver Policy
- Delhi government clarified that no fines will be waived for pollution-related violations.
- PUCC violations attract a ₹10,000 penalty.
- Government willing to approach courts to ensure penalties are upheld.
Assessment of Pooled Electric Buses
- Delhi government assessing introduction of pooled electric or non-polluting buses in Delhi-NCR.
- Objective:
- Reduce dependence on private vehicles and app-based cabs.
- Strengthen public transport capacity.
- The proposal involves:
- Increasing number of electric buses.
- Integrating non-polluting buses with existing public transport networks.
- High-level review chaired by the Chief Minister to assess anti-pollution strategies.
Administrative & Policy Coordination
- Traffic Police, Transport Department, and Environment Department involved.
- Emphasis on strict compliance, institutional coordination, and technology-enabled monitoring.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Severe air pollution episodes in Delhi.
- Causes:
- Vehicular emissions.
- Industrial pollution.
- Influx of polluting trucks.
- Government Measures:
- GRAP-IV: Strictest emergency response under Graded Response Action Plan.
- PUCC enforcement.
- Restrictions on entry of polluting vehicles.
- Key Facts:
- GRAP is implemented based on AQI severity levels.
- ELVs are prohibited under Supreme Court and NGT directions.
- Benefits:
- Immediate reduction in emission sources.
- Deterrence through strict penalties.
- Challenges:
- Enforcement fatigue.
- Limited public transport capacity during peak pollution days.
- Impact:
- Short-term improvement in compliance.
- Signals seriousness of enforcement.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Provisions:
- GRAP operationalised under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- PUCC regime aimed at controlling vehicular emissions.
- Conceptual Clarity:
- Emergency pollution response vs structural reforms.
- Public transport as a climate and health intervention.
- Keywords:
- Air quality governance, Sustainable transport, Regulatory enforcement, Urban pollution.
- Way Forward:
- Expand electric mobility infrastructure.
- Accelerate bus fleet electrification.
- Improve inter-State coordination for truck management.
- Use real-time data and AI-based monitoring for emissions.
- Shift from episodic enforcement to year-round pollution management.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS III: Environment – air pollution, urban sustainability, climate action.
- GS II: Governance – policy enforcement, inter-agency coordination.
- GS IV: Ethics – public health responsibility, environmental stewardship.