As per the data recorded, just in the first half of the year, Delhi witnessed a significant rise in the Pollution Under Control (PUC) Challans. The transport department has issued nearly 1,63,000 challans so far, which is a more than three times jump in the average challans reported monthly from the past year.
The given data shows that in the previous years, the total number of challans recorded was less than this year. 2024 had a total of 68,000 challans, while 2023,2022, and 2021 had a total of 36,000, 43,500, and 29,500, respectively.
Cause Of This Rise
The observations state that the cause of this increased number of challans issued so far this year is the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Other than that, the renewed enforcement push and the growing reliance of the government on digital tools like online issuance of PUC challans using the API technology. This is also linked with the Centre’s Vahan database, and tracks the penalised violators can be the reason.
Also Read: Check Your Traffic Challan Online Now
More Strict Actions Against Violators By The Authorities
After this increased number of challans, the Delhi Transport Department has taken an initiative to enforce efforts to control vehicular pollution. This pollution is a major contributor to the city’s poor air quality.
As per the reports, Delhi has 966 PUC checking centres, where the tailpipe emissions of the vehicle can be checked regularly by just paying a nominal fee.
As of January 2025, 8.2 million vehicles were active in the city, out of which nearly 2.6 million vehicles did not have a valid PUC certificate, which means either they do not have an issued certificate or it has expired.
Officials have confirmed, as per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, vehicles without a valid PUC certificate are being issued challans of ₹10,000 or may be imprisoned for three months or both. This enforcement is a part of the government’s strategy to reduce emissions and ensure that all vehicles on the road meet the pollution norms.
Mandatory For All Commuters
It is mandatory for all vehicles running on Indian roads, including two-wheelers, to have a PUC certificate. It also should be renewed and updated regularly. The PUC certificate is a legal document that certifies a vehicle meets the required emission standards and is up-to-date.
The fine for not carrying a valid PUC certificate is ₹10,000 or imprisonment up to 3 months, or both, in Delhi. The severity of the violation will be considered for the given punishment. It is an initiative by the government with the aim of these strict penalties being a push to vehicle owners, and to make sure they comply with the environmental regulations and contribute to cleaner air.
Conclusion
Delhi has seen a major jump in the number of challans issued this year, especially just in the first half. An initiative is taken by the government to ensure vehicles without the PUC certificate are fined under the pollution control laws. People are recommended to regularly check Challan online and make payments as soon as possible.
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