Gopal Rai: Delhi Air cleanest on Diwali in 7 years

NEW DELHI: Gopal Rai, Minister of Environment, Forest and Wildlife, Government of NCT of Delhi, claimed on Tuesday that since October 1, the city government has handled 90 per cent of complaints about air pollution that were submitted using the Green Delhi smartphone app. Rai added that Delhi’s firework ban led to the cleanest Diwali in seven years. In August and September, more than 20 lakh pollution under control (PUC) certifications were issued, according to Rai, while 68,500 challans were issued to vehicle owners who lacked a valid PUC certificate.

Owners need to have their vehicles tested to see if they comply with regulations on the emissions of pollutants such carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide.

Owners of vehicles who do not have a current PUC are subject to a fine of up to ₹10,000, a jail sentence of up to six months, or both under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1993. He put up a post on Twitter which said, “We have impounded around 6,500 old diesel and petrol vehicles that are not authorised to operate in Delhi.