Delhi Deploys 250 Officials Ahead of BS-VI Vehicle Crackdown

As winter approaches, Delhi is stepping up efforts to tackle worsening air pollution, with vehicle emissions remaining a major concern.

The transport department has deployed around 250 enforcement personnel across key entry points, toll plazas and pollution hotspots ahead of a strict drive beginning November 1.

Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said preparations are underway to enforce the measures outlined in the city’s winter anti-pollution action plan.

Meanwhile, officials will focus on restricting vehicles that do not meet the prescribed Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards.

According to officials, 39 specialised teams will operate round the clock at 13 major toll plazas. Each team will have four to five personnel to monitor vehicles entering or operating within the city.

Key deployment points include DND, Rajokri on NH-48, Ghazipur, Singhu border, Tikri and Badarpur.

Additionally, 14 teams have been assigned to coordinate pollution enforcement with district magistrates’ offices.

Authorities may redirect these teams to border areas whenever necessary. Teams will also monitor identified pollution hotspots and nearby locations with district transport officers.

The department has also intensified action against vehicles lacking valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.

Over the past 14 days, officials issued 4,572 challans for PUC-related violations. Consequently, motorists face increased scrutiny as the city strengthens its pollution-control measures.

However, the proposed restrictions have sparked concerns over their coverage. Critics argue that the policy focuses on certain passenger cars and commercial goods vehicles while exempting two-wheelers.

Former Deputy Commissioner of Transport Anil Chhikara questioned this approach, noting that two-wheelers outnumber passenger cars in Delhi by nearly three to one.

He argued that excluding such a large vehicle category could weaken the policy’s effectiveness.

As enforcement intensifies, the key challenge will be ensuring consistent implementation across vehicle categories.

While tighter checks may help curb emissions, experts believe a broader approach could deliver more meaningful results.

The coming weeks will test whether Delhi’s winter measures can achieve cleaner air without leaving significant sources of vehicular pollution unaddressed.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image published on January 05, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/244850