Smog-hit city to penalise polluting cars

Motorists without valid pollution check certificates will be fined Rs 1,000-Rs 2,000

The Delhi government has launched a drive to penalise motorists not carrying valid pollution under control (PUC) certificates for their vehicles. This is part of the government's initiative to check air pollution in the city, which has led to a thick smog cover over the past fortnight.

Officials said 30 teams from the Transport department's enforcement wing have been deployed to carry out the drive. This will continue till November 23.

All vehicles coming from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana would be checked at border posts so that no polluting vehicle can enter Delhi, the officials said.

If a motorist fails to produce a pollution check certificate, a fine of Rs 1,000 (first-time offender) will be imposed on him. The penalty will be Rs 2,000 for second-time offenders.

The Delhi government was considering doubling the fine

(Rs 1,000) in case of vehicles emitting fumes much above the permissible limit. The enforcement teams will check the level of pollution emitted by each vehicle.

According to norms, the motorists have to get the pollution certificates every three months. For Euro-IV vehicles, the certificate is valid for a year.

Officials said the certificate "is a must for all new vehicles whose registration period has crossed a year". "Special stickers having tamper-proof holograms would be pasted on the vehicles after being checked by the enforcement squads. Motorists should ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained," a Transport official said.

Delhi has 650 centres from where motorists can get their pollution check certificates. A certificate for two and three-wheelers costs Rs 60. For a petrol-engine four-wheeler, the cost is Rs 80, while Rs 100 is charged for diesel vehicles. "Enforcement teams would impound vehicles fitted with unauthorised CNG kits," the official said.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Won't overrule DU's 4-year plan: Shashi Tharoor at Google+ hangout

To beat cancer, Stanford professor reaches out to Keralites in Delhi and elsewhere

Woman alleges gang-rape by husband, in-laws

3 more cases of minors rape reported in Delhi