The planned measures also include stricter enforcement of restrictions on vehicles registered outside Delhi and improved coordination among the agencies responsible for implementing pollution-control measures.
On Thursday, the Delhi Traffic Police held a meeting with police officials from neighbouring states and representatives of the concerned agencies to discuss the effective implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
According to Traffic Police DCP SK Singh, the objective of the meeting was to discuss all effective measures to control pollution. The meeting focused on strengthening enforcement and ensuring better coordination among the agencies involved.
Non-Compliant Buses to Be Stopped at Delhi Borders
Special CP (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhary, who chaired the meeting, directed officials to prevent interstate and intercity buses that do not comply with the prescribed rules from entering Delhi.
Diverting such buses after they have entered the capital increases traffic congestion and contributes to higher pollution levels. To prevent this, arrangements will be made to redirect non-compliant buses onto alternative routes at the borders themselves.
Under the applicable directions and prescribed conditions, only electric vehicles (EVs), compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and BS-VI diesel buses are permitted to operate in Delhi. Restrictions on the entry of vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be strictly enforced from November 1 to January 31. Vehicles covered under notified exemptions will, however, receive relief in accordance with the rules.
Boards will also be installed at Delhi’s borders clearly stating that entry is prohibited for restricted vehicles. The initiative is intended to ensure that vehicle owners and operators are informed of the restrictions before attempting to enter the capital.
Joint Enforcement Teams to Inspect Vehicles at Borders
Joint enforcement teams comprising personnel from different agencies will be deployed at Delhi’s borders to strengthen pollution-control measures. These teams will inspect vehicles and ensure compliance with designated no-entry timings.
Action will also be taken against vehicles travelling on routes other than those prescribed for their destinations and against overloaded vehicles.
Vehicles transporting construction and demolition materials in violation of prescribed standards will also face action. Municipal bodies have been directed to expedite construction-related work while taking measures to prevent dust emissions. They have also been instructed to ensure regular water sprinkling on roads and at construction sites to control dust pollution.
These measures will bring together border checks, traffic enforcement and dust-control efforts as authorities seek to address multiple sources of pollution in the capital.
WhatsApp Group Planned for Better Inter-Agency Coordination
A dedicated WhatsApp group will be created to improve coordination among all the agencies involved. Officials from the concerned departments will be added to the group so that instructions and updates on enforcement action can be shared immediately.
The arrangement is also expected to help authorities monitor compliance with the prescribed rules and coordinate responses among different departments.
The Delhi Traffic Police has appealed to vehicle owners to carry valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates wherever required. Officials said the measures are aimed at reducing vehicular emissions and controlling air pollution in Delhi.
Study Warns Pollution Could Persist for Five Consecutive Days
Meanwhile, a new study on Delhi’s air quality has highlighted the possibility that unfavourable atmospheric conditions could cause air pollution to remain trapped over the capital for five consecutive days.
According to research published in the scientific journal Environmental Pollution, temperature plays the most significant role in influencing these conditions. The study was conducted by researchers from Jamia, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the Central Pollution Control Board.
The findings indicate that atmospheric conditions could limit the dispersal of pollutants, prolonging the period of poor air quality. With no significant improvement expected over the next two to three days and stubble-burning smoke potentially accounting for up to 15 per cent of Delhi’s pollution, authorities are preparing stricter enforcement measures to reduce emissions and manage traffic-related pollution.
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