The Delhi Traffic Police is preparing a series of measures to curb air pollution, including stricter checks on vehicles entering the capital, diversion of non-compliant buses at city borders and a dedicated WhatsApp group for real-time coordination between enforcement agencies.
The decisions were discussed at an inter-state coordination meeting held on Thursday, attended by civic agencies and police authorities from neighbouring states. The meeting focused on the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) SK Singh said.
Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhry, who chaired the meeting, stressed the need for closer coordination among the agencies.
WhatsApp group to track enforcement
Officials will be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group to share updates on CAQM directions and monitor action taken by different departments.
“The WhatsApp group will facilitate real-time sharing of CAQM directions and updates on action taken by various agencies. It will also help monitor actions taken by the concerned departments,” a senior officer, who attended the meeting, said, asking not to be named.
The traffic police have also been directed to prevent non-compliant inter-city and inter-state buses from entering Delhi. Such buses must be diverted at the borders to avoid congestion and additional emissions caused by rerouting them after they enter the city.
Vehicle entry restrictions from November 1
Chaudhry said only electric vehicles (EVs), compressed natural gas (CNG) and BS-VI diesel buses would be permitted in Delhi, subject to prescribed conditions. Entry restrictions for vehicles registered outside the capital will apply from November 1 to January 31 next year, subject to notified exemptions.
“Prominent display boards should be installed at Delhi borders clearly indicating that prohibited vehicles, including non-exempt vehicles not meeting the prescribed emission norms, will not be allowed to enter Delhi,” Chaudhry said.
Joint enforcement teams will be deployed at the borders. Officials will also enforce no-entry timings, check overloaded and non-destined vehicles, and act against vehicles carrying construction and demolition material in violation of norms.
Dust control and public awareness
Civic agencies have been asked to speed up ongoing construction, limit dust generation and regularly sprinkle water on roads and construction sites.
“Vehicle owners are advised to ensure valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), wherever applicable. We will also be focusing on public awareness regarding GRAP measures, CAQM directions and vehicle entry restrictions. The measures are aimed at curbing vehicular emissions and reducing pollution in Delhi,” DCP Singh added.