The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is taking strong measures to enforce vehicular emission standards in Delhi and surrounding areas. It emphasizes regular vehicle certification, adherence to age limits for older vehicles, and enhancing public transport. The CAQM also promotes electric mobility to combat rising pollution levels in the National Capital Region.
New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has informed the Supreme Court of India that it is taking decisive steps to enforce emission standards in Delhi and its surrounding areas. With vehicular pollution being a major contributor to the region’s poor air quality, the commission is focusing on strict compliance with emission norms to combat the growing problem.
Growing Concern Over Vehicle Emissions
In a compliance report filed with the Supreme Court, the CAQM emphasized that regular certification of vehicles to ensure they meet emission standards is essential. This measure, the commission stated, must be rigorously enforced by the Delhi government and neighboring states. According to the report, the number of violations related to emissions has been significant.
By June 2024, authorities in Delhi had issued a staggering 1.81 lakh challans for either driving without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate or overloading vehicles. This represents an increase from the 1.64 lakh challans issued in 2023 for similar offenses.
The CAQM has stressed the need for stringent adherence to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (Amendment) 2021. These rules mandate regular audits of PUC certification centers and require vehicles to be inspected periodically. This is crucial to reducing vehicular emissions, a major source of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Enforcing Age Limits for Vehicles
The air quality commission has also directed the authorities to strictly enforce age limits for vehicles. In line with the rules, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years are not allowed to operate in the NCR. Enforcing this regulation is seen as a key strategy in reducing vehicular pollution.
Boosting Public Transport and E-Mobility
One of the critical solutions proposed by the CAQM is enhancing public transport infrastructure to ease road congestion and reduce vehicular emissions. In its report, the commission urged the Delhi government and NCR states to prioritize the development of public transport systems. It also called for the promotion of electric mobility, noting that transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) in certain sectors could significantly reduce pollution.
To support the shift to clean energy, the CAQM has recommended that government bodies, e-commerce platforms, and service agencies adopt electric vehicles for their operations. This move would help accelerate the transition to e-mobility and reduce the region’s reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
Building Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles
The commission highlighted the importance of building the necessary infrastructure to support the growing number of electric vehicles. Delhi already has 3,00,810 electric vehicles and 4,793 charging points. However, the CAQM has set ambitious targets for expanding this infrastructure. By 2025-26, Delhi aims to have 18,000 charging points, while Uttar Pradesh and Haryana are expected to add 252 and 170 charging points, respectively, by 2026.
The commission also pointed out the need for battery charging stations, battery swapping points, and proper disposal methods for the large volume of batteries that will accumulate as electric vehicles become more widespread.
Conclusion
With the Supreme Court hearing a plea to address Delhi’s air pollution crisis, the CAQM’s report highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of emission standards and the promotion of sustainable transport solutions. As the capital and its neighboring states grapple with worsening air quality, the commission’s efforts to curb vehicular pollution through regular vehicle certification, age limits for older vehicles, and a push towards e-mobility offer a clear path towards cleaner air.
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