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Delhi's anti-pollution drive collects ₹68.4 lakh in fines on Day 1, sends back 1,539 vehicles

To curb air pollution, the Delhi government has imposed restrictions, including a ban on non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI emission standards till 31, 2027.

Published on: Nov 2, 2026, 08:03:49 IST
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Delhi enforcement drive under the winter action plan resulted in penalties and environmental compensation amounting to ₹68.4 lakh on its first day. Authorities inspected close to 15,000 vehicles at various checkpoints, sent back 1,539 vehicles at the city’s borders and issued 566 challans for failing to comply with Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) requirements.

As part of Delhi's Winter Action plan, to curb air pollution, the Delhi traffic police officials were seen restricting entry of vehicles at the Noida-Delhi Chilla border. (Photo: Sunil Ghosh/HT)
As part of Delhi's Winter Action plan, to curb air pollution, the Delhi traffic police officials were seen restricting entry of vehicles at the Noida-Delhi Chilla border. (Photo: Sunil Ghosh/HT)

To curb air pollution, the Delhi government has imposed several restrictions, including a ban on non-Delhi vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, and a directive prohibiting fuel stations from dispensing fuel to vehicles without a valid PUCC.

₹56.6 lakh in penalties for PUCC violations

Data released by officials up to 5 pm on Sunday showed that the largest share of the collection came from PUCC-related violations, attracting fines of ₹56.6 lakh, news agency PTI reported. Moreover, ₹2 lakh was imposed for breaching restrictions on vehicle entry into Delhi, while construction- and demolition-related violations accounted for ₹9.8 lakh in environmental compensation.

Deep Dive

Which vehicles are barred from entering Delhi under the winter BS-VI curbs, and which vehicles are exempt?

From November 1 to January 31, non-Delhi petrol and diesel vehicles below BS-VI are barred from entering Delhi. CNG and electric vehicles, ambulances, fire tenders and specified essential-service vehicles are exempt; Delhi-registered vehicles are also exempt from this entry restriction.

Can a valid PUCC let a non-Delhi BS-IV vehicle enter Delhi?

No. A non-Delhi BS-IV vehicle can be turned back even if it has a valid PUCC. BS-VI vehicles entering Delhi must also have a valid PUCC.

How many vehicles were checked and turned back during Delhi’s first day of winter pollution curbs?

Authorities inspected nearly 15,000 vehicles and sent 1,539 back at Delhi’s borders on the first day. They also issued 566 challans for PUCC-related violations, while penalties and environmental compensation totalled ₹68.4 lakh.
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During a spot check by HT at three border points - the Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) Flyway, Chilla village, and the Kalindi Kunj border, a Delhi traffic police personnel said they faced a marginal staff shortage due to the INDIA bloc’s rally at Ramlila Maidan. However, they said the situation remained manageable.

ALSO READ: Traffic snarls, 'frustrated' public: Anti-pollution restrictions kick in as Delhi's AQI turns 'poor'

“In around five hours, we sent back around six vehicles which were non-Delhi registered and BS-IV. Many had only one vehicle and were headed to places where public transport does not provide last-mile connectivity. We suggested they take the metro as far as possible,” said Pankaj Rana, a Delhi traffic police personnel.

He further said around nine personnel were deployed at the Kalindi Kunj entry point, including two police officers, three transport department officials, and five traffic police personnel.

However, during HT’s nearly 40-minute visit, only two personnel were seen checking vehicles.

ALSO READ: Delhi air quality takes a nosedive ahead of Diwali, anti-pollution curbs kick in

Unis Saifi, a 31-year-old Delhi resident who works in Noida, said, “The bike that I own is BS-IV, and registered in Delhi. I had to go to Noida for some work, but was not sure if I would be allowed. So I took an Uber instead.”

Govt, private offices on 50 per cent wfh arrangement

Government and private offices are also required to limit physical attendance to 50 per cent from November 1 to January 31, with the remaining employees working from home. Essential and emergency services have been exempted.

 
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HT News Desk

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.

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