New Delhi: Delhi govt will launch a special enforcement drive against vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates from Oct 1, chief minister Rekha Gupta announced Saturday. Vehicles found operating without valid PUC certificates will face challans and penalties under the law.“Work will also be undertaken to strengthen the monitoring and functioning of PUC centres through technology,” Gupta said, adding that the system of PUC centres in the capital would be made more effective and reliable.A PUC certificate certifies that a vehicle’s tailpipe emissions are within the limits prescribed under motor vehicle rules. Vehicles are tested at authorised PUC centres, largely located at petrol pumps, and certificates are issued if emissions meet the prescribed standards.Under Rule 115(7) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, every motor vehicle must carry a valid PUC certificate after one year from the date of its first registration. The certificate must be produced on demand by authorised enforcement officers. The requirement applies to petrol, diesel and CNG vehicles, while electric vehicles are exempt as they do not produce tailpipe emissions.Officials said vehicles found without a valid PUC certificate can be fined Rs 10,000 under existing provisions.The move is aimed at ensuring that vehicles operating on Delhi’s roads do not emit pollutants beyond permissible limits.In Delhi, enforcement is carried out by the transport department and traffic police personnel under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Delhi Motor Vehicle Rules. The checks are conducted throughout the year, but during winter when air pollution peaks, the drive against PUC non-compliant vehicles intensifies.
