In a stringent move to curb rising air pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Gurugram Traffic Police today launched a massive drive against overaged vehicles, impounding 50 diesel vehicles that had exceeded the 10-year age limit.
-
GRAP Compliance: The action was taken under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which strictly prohibits the plying of diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in the NCR. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering in the “Poor” to “Very Poor” category due to winter conditions, the department has intensified its surveillance.
-
The Operation: Specialized teams were deployed at high-traffic entry points including Sirhaul Border, Kherki Daula, and IFFCO Chowk. Using automated number plate recognition and manual document verification, police identified and towed away commercial as well as private diesel SUVs and light trucks.
-
Hefty Penalties: Apart from impounding the vehicles, owners were slapped with heavy fines. Authorities clarified that these vehicles would be sent directly to authorized scrapping facilities or must be deregistered and sold outside the NCR following the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines.
-
DCP Traffic’s Statement: “We have a zero-tolerance policy for vehicles that contribute to the city’s toxic smog. This drive is not just a one-day event; it will continue until there is 100% compliance with GRAP guidelines,” stated the DCP (Traffic) Gurugram.
-
Public Advisory: The police have urged residents to check the registration dates of their vehicles. Citizens are encouraged to switch to CNG or electric vehicles (EVs) or utilize public transport to help improve the city’s air quality.
-
Impact on Transport: The drive has caused a slight stir in the local logistics sector, as several small-scale transporters still rely on older diesel fleets. However, environmental activists have welcomed the move, calling it a “necessary evil” to save the city from a health crisis.
