The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has informed the Supreme Court of its efforts to ensure strict compliance with emission standards and pollution norms in Delhi and neighboring states, particularly given the significant contribution of vehicular pollution to poor air quality.

In a compliance report submitted to the court, the panel stressed the importance of regular vehicle certification to meet emission standards.

According to CAQM’s data, enforcement efforts have intensified, with 1.81 lakh challans issued in Delhi by June 2024 for violations such as driving without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate or exceeding load limits, up from 1.64 lakh in 2023. The panel emphasized that compliance drives are conducted regularly to ensure adherence to these norms.

The CAQM also reiterated the importance of enforcing vehicle age limits, with petrol vehicles allowed on NCR roads for a maximum of 15 years and diesel vehicles for 10 years. All states were directed to ensure older vehicles are removed from circulation to reduce pollution levels.

Recognizing the need for long-term solutions, the commission advocated for a substantial boost in public transport infrastructure to reduce road congestion and vehicular emissions. The Delhi government (GNCTD) and NCR states were urged to prioritize public transport development and mandate the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in key sectors.

"Regular certification of vehicles towards compliance of emission standards is a must and in this context the commission has directed the national capital region (NCR) state governments and the government of national capital territory of Delhi (GNCTD) for effective implementation of the new PUC certificate regime, including periodic audits of the PUC certificate issuing agencies, in compliance of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (Amendment) Rules, 2021 dated June 14,2021," the CAQM said.

As part of its strategy to promote e-mobility, the CAQM has issued advisories for the procurement of EVs in government operations, e-commerce platforms, and service agencies. The commission also underscored the need for robust infrastructure to support the transition, including more battery charging stations and disposal mechanisms for EV batteries.

The report disclosed that Delhi currently has 3,00,810 electric vehicles and 4,793 charging points, with a target of increasing charging stations to 18,000 by 2025-26. Uttar Pradesh and Haryana were set goals to add 252 and 170 charging points, respectively, by the end of 2026.

These submissions were made in response to the Supreme Court’s ongoing hearing on a plea aimed at curbing air pollution in the national capital.