Delhi-NCR Smog Emergency: Cars Stopped, Fuel Denied

Dense toxic smog blanketed the Delhi-Noida border at the DND Flyway on Thursday morning, as air quality deteriorated to hazardous levels, with the Chilla area registering an AQI near 490, according to reports from NDTV.

Reduced visibility prompted intensified vehicle inspections by Delhi Police and transport teams under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the most stringent anti-pollution measures.

A Delhi transport department officer overseeing operations explained that checks target non-BS-VI commercial and private vehicles registered outside Delhi. Violators risk a ₹20,000 fine or forced U-turn, while those without valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUC) face ₹10,000 penalties.

Police barricades are slowing traffic for thorough verifications. Older-looking vehicles without BS-VI blue stickers are stopped, with directives to penalise 10-year-old diesel or 15-year-old petrol models below BS-III standards.

Verification uses portable devices to instantly check registration against emission norms and PUC status. Vehicular emissions account for over 20% of winter PM2.5 in Delhi-NCR, where 93% of nearly 2.88 crore vehicles are light-duty, and 37% pre-BS-III, releasing significantly higher particulates and nitrogen oxides.

Around 80 police personnel and 37 enforcement vans operate at 126 checkpoints, with additional staff at fuel stations. Automatic number plate recognition cameras at pumps will deny fuel to vehicles lacking valid PUC from today.

However, the sudden enforcement has led to chaos and frustration among commuters. Angry citizens state that while they pay road tax, the government fails to control pollution, leaving the public to pay the price.

Officials urged public awareness through media, warning that alternate routes are monitored by widespread checkpoints. They emphasised that political commitment and citizen cooperation can effectively reduce vehicular pollution.

Despite the strict checks, experts argue that these measures are reactive rather than preventive. They call for comprehensive solutions beyond bans, including robust tailpipe testing, dedicated task forces, scrappage incentives, and improved interstate coordination.

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