Delhi Authorities Collect Rs 68.4 Lakh in Fines on Winter Action Plan Day One
Delhi authorities collected Rs 68.4 lakh in fines and environmental compensation on the first day of enforcement under the Winter Action Plan on Sunday, turning back 1,539 non-compliant vehicles at border points across the capital. Official data recorded up to 5 pm showed that enforcement teams checked nearly 15,000 vehicles and issued 566 challans for Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) violations.
The total penalties comprised Rs 56.6 lakh for PUCC violations, Rs 2 lakh for border entry restriction breaches, and Rs 9.8 lakh in environmental compensation for dust control violations at construction and demolition sites. Delhi Traffic Police and the Transport Department checked 14,930 vehicles under the ban on non-Delhi pre-BS-VI vehicles, turning back roughly 10.31 per cent of them. Teams issued 127 challans and impounded 62 vehicles during the border drive.
Among the vehicles turned back at city borders were 140 light motor vehicles, 54 light commercial vehicles, 95 heavy goods vehicles, and 34 buses. In addition, 1,423 two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and other vehicles were inspected, leading to 789 being turned back and 38 impounded. Officials also screened 7,279 non-destined vehicles, turning away 314 without issuing challans. Vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and electricity, along with those carrying out essential services, were exempted, with 740 such vehicles verified and cleared for entry.
In the citywide drive against vehicles lacking a valid PUCC, authorities penalised 566 motorists. The Delhi Traffic Police issued 493 challans amounting to Rs 49.3 lakh, while the Transport Department issued 73 challans totalling Rs 7.3 lakh.
Enforcement teams also inspected 300 construction and demolition sites, penalising 32 for flouting dust control regulations. Among 91 large plots exceeding 500 square metres, 16 were found in violation, drawing two closure directions, four show-cause notices, and Rs 4 lakh in compensation. Among 209 smaller plots under 500 square metres, 17 violated norms, resulting in 15 closure directions, 15 show-cause notices, and Rs 5.8 lakh in compensation. In total, authorities issued 17 closure directions and 19 show-cause notices, while reporting no violations at exempted infrastructure projects.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said in a post on X that enforcement squads were actively monitoring entry restrictions, PUCC compliance, and dust regulations. Sirsa noted that 14,930 vehicles were checked, 566 PUC challans issued, and 300 sites inspected, adding that the quest for clean air requires collective efforts.
The Winter Action Plan restrictions remain in place for varying periods between November 1 and February 28. Pre-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi are barred from entering until January 31, while dust-generating construction activities face restrictions, including a blanket ban from December 10 to January 20 with specific exemptions. Parking fees across authorised facilities in Delhi have also been doubled through February 28, and offices must cap physical attendance at 50 per cent through January 31.
