Gurugram to Install 249 ANPR Cameras to Curb Pollution

Haryana is stepping up efforts to control pollution from old vehicles by using technology at petrol pumps across the National Capital Region.

The state government plans to install Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at fuel stations to identify vehicles that have reached the end of their permitted life.

Gurugram will receive the largest share in the first phase, with 249 ANPR cameras planned across petrol pumps in the city. The cameras will scan vehicle number plates and help authorities identify end-of-life vehicles.

The Haryana Transport Department will then take appropriate action against vehicles found violating the applicable norms.

The project follows directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Under these directions, fuel is not to be supplied to end-of-life vehicles that are specifically registered in Haryana.

The first phase will cover 775 petrol pumps across four NCR districts. Besides Gurugram, the project includes Sonipat, Jhajjar and Faridabad.

Sonipat will receive 215 cameras, while Jhajjar and Faridabad will get 195 and 116 cameras respectively.

The estimated cost of the project stands at ₹41.74 crore. The proposal has already received approval from Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The installation work is expected to be completed by September 30.

The system will create an additional layer of enforcement at locations where vehicles regularly stop for fuel.

Instead of depending only on manual checks, authorities will be able to use automated number plate recognition to identify vehicles covered by the restrictions.

Gurugram’s allocation of 249 cameras reflects the city’s prominent position in the first phase of the project.

The wider rollout across four NCR districts is intended to strengthen implementation of measures aimed at reducing pollution caused by ageing vehicles.

For vehicle owners, the key point is that the fuel restriction applies specifically to end-of-life vehicles registered in Haryana.

The ANPR cameras will help authorities identify such vehicles when they arrive at participating petrol pumps.

The initiative combines digital surveillance with existing environmental regulations.

By placing the technology at fuel stations, Haryana aims to make enforcement more systematic while supporting broader efforts to improve air quality across the NCR.

Image Credit: Tarun4u, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cyber_City_View.jpg