The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has recently submitted a compliance report to the Supreme Court of India, urging the Delhi government and neighboring states to adhere strictly to emission standards and pollution norms. The commission highlighted that vehicular pollution significantly contributes to the deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and beyond.
In its report, the CAQM emphasized the necessity of regular certification of vehicles to ensure compliance with emission standards. It noted that a staggering 1.81 lakh challans were issued in Delhi for violations related to valid pollution under control (PUC) certificates or for exceeding load limits up until June 2024. This figure marks a notable increase from 1.64 lakh challans issued for similar offenses in the previous year, underscoring the persistent issue of vehicular pollution in the capital.
“Regular certification of vehicles towards compliance of emission standards is a must,” the CAQM stated. The commission has mandated the implementation of the new PUC certificate regime across the NCR, which includes conducting periodic audits of the PUC certification agencies, in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (Amendment) Rules, 2021.
The CAQM also reported that ongoing drives are being conducted to ensure compliance with these standards. In its push for cleaner air, the commission has directed all states within the NCR to enforce an age limit for vehicles—15 years for petrol vehicles and 10 years for diesel vehicles. The panel stressed that any vehicle exceeding these age limits should not be allowed to operate on NCR roads.
In addition to enforcing strict compliance, the CAQM advocated for an enhancement in public transport infrastructure. It stated that developing robust public transport options is essential for reducing congestion and mitigating vehicular pollution. “The GNCTD and NCR state governments have been advised to prioritize public transport, while also mandating e-mobility in certain sectors,” the commission said.
Promoting a shift toward electric mobility, the commission issued advisories encouraging the procurement of electric vehicles (EVs) by government entities, e-commerce platforms for deliveries, and service agencies. This initiative aims to foster clean technologies within the transportation sector, contributing to improved air quality.
The CAQM also underscored the importance of building the necessary infrastructure to support the transition to electric mobility. This includes establishing battery charging stations, battery swapping points, and effective disposal systems for the substantial volume of batteries anticipated in the coming years. The report revealed that as of now, Delhi has approximately 3,00,810 electric vehicles and 4,793 charging points.
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To facilitate the shift towards e-mobility, the GNCTD has been given a target of increasing the number of charging points to 18,000 by 2025-26. Meanwhile, neighboring states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have been assigned targets to add 252 and 170 charging points, respectively, by the end of 2026.
The submissions by the CAQM form part of a larger effort to address the urgent issue of air pollution in the national capital. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a petition aimed at curbing pollution levels in Delhi, a city frequently ranked among the most polluted in the world.
As pollution continues to pose severe health risks and environmental challenges, the CAQM’s report emphasizes the need for collaborative action among states, governmental bodies, and the public to ensure a cleaner, healthier future. The ongoing commitment to enhancing air quality standards and promoting sustainable transportation options will be crucial in addressing the air pollution crisis in the NCR and safeguarding the health of its residents.
The focus on compliance with emission standards, the promotion of public transport, and the transition to electric mobility could play a significant role in reversing the trends of air quality deterioration observed in recent years, benefitting not only the current population but also future generations.
