Delhi Intensifies Anti-Pollution Measures with 500+ Inspections and 9,000+ Challans in 24 Hours

The enforcement drive included 9,325 vehicular challans, 83 truck diversions. (Representational)

New Delhi:

In the last 24 hours, Delhi authorities conducted over 500 inspections and issued more than 9,000 vehicular challans as part of their comprehensive pollution control efforts. According to official data, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 202 on Wednesday, continuing a positive downward trend compared to previous years.

Multiple agencies including the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), MCD, NDMC, DCB, PWD, DJB, Revenue, DSIIDC, and DMRC collaborated to inspect 387 construction and demolition sites, 79 municipal solid waste collection points, 22 diesel generator installations, and 12 hotels and restaurants.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, "Our teams have thoroughly examined fuel usage and dust control measures across multiple sites. Wherever violations were detected, appropriate action has been taken."

Authorities placed significant emphasis on mitigating road dust and vehicular emissions. Officials reported collecting 90 metric tonnes of road dust, mechanically cleaning 1,988 km of roads, and water sprinkling across 1,797 km of roadways. Additionally, anti-smog guns were deployed over 5,171 km of roads, utilizing more than 1.07 lakh litres of treated water.

Sirsa emphasized, "Dust mitigation and road cleaning operations have been significantly intensified across all identified pollution hotspots. This represents part of our coordinated, science-based approach to maintain cleaner air quality in Delhi."

The large-scale enforcement campaign included issuing 9,325 vehicular challans, diverting 83 trucks, resolving 454 pollution-related complaints, and removing 2,348 MT of construction and demolition waste. Officials also conducted checks on 128 inter-state buses at city borders.

Authorities confirmed that over 1,200 enforcement teams are working continuously under the Winter Action Plan to monitor compliance throughout the city.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on social platform X that the government has launched a "comprehensive and robust campaign" to control pollution in the capital. She revealed that 200 maintenance vans are currently operating across all PWD roads, performing intensive cleaning and repair work, including dust and debris removal, pothole filling, footpath and central verge repairs, and fixing broken light fittings and exposed wiring.

The campaign covers approximately 1,400 km of roads, operates around the clock, and will continue for 45 days. Each maintenance van is staffed by an engineer, with progress being monitored by senior officials. "The government's aim is to take decisive action against every cause of pollution and bring it under control," she added.

Delhi's AQI reading of 202 on Wednesday is lower than measurements from previous years, according to official data. However, pollution hotspots and winter smog remain significant concerns. Residents are being urged to avoid open burning, utilize public transport, and ensure their vehicles have valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. As winter approaches, the question remains whether Delhi can maintain its improved air quality or if pollution levels will increase again.