Delhi’s war on pollution is shifting gears as the national capital ramps up enforcement against vehicles flouting emission norms.
In just over two weeks since the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-2 came into effect on October 19, the Delhi Traffic Police have issued more than 20,000 challans to offenders, each carrying a fine of ₹10,000, officials said on Wednesday.
“It’s a massive enforcement drive,” said Additional Police Commissioner Satya Vir Katara, adding that most penalties were issued to vehicles operating without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).
“So far, over 20,000 challans have been issued, each carrying a fine of ₹10,000,” Katara told ANI.
What’s Behind The Crackdown
Delhi’s air quality typically worsens in late October as cooler temperatures, festive fireworks, and stubble burning combine to trap pollutants. To curb this seasonal spike, authorities activated GRAP-2, the second tier of the city’s four-stage emergency plan designed to reduce emissions from high-polluting sources — particularly vehicles, one of the biggest contributors to PM2.5 levels.
Under the new phase, traffic police have been directed to tighten checks at Delhi’s borders and halt the entry of commercial vehicles not meeting emission standards. “Diesel and petrol vehicles below BS-III standards, especially those not registered in Delhi, are being turned back,” Katara confirmed.
What’s Banned — And What’s Still Allowed
According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), from November 1, all non-Delhi registered BS-III and below commercial goods vehicles will be barred from entering the city.
However, a short transition period remains — BS-IV-compliant trucks will continue to be allowed until October 31, 2026.
Here’s how the new restrictions are structured:
Banned:
- Non-Delhi commercial goods vehicles running on diesel or petrol below BS-III standards.
Allowed:
- Delhi-registered commercial vehicles
- CNG, LNG, or electric vehicles
- BS-VI-compliant petrol and diesel vehicles
“We appeal to all citizens to cooperate with the Delhi Traffic Police so that effective action can be taken against polluting vehicles,” Katara told ANI, urging public participation to make GRAP-2 truly effective.
The intensified crackdown underscores Delhi’s renewed push to keep its winter air breathable — a battle that, officials say, will require both enforcement and collective responsibility.
