Struggling with the rising level of pollution that has led to a smog cover over the city, the Delhi government is considering doubling the penalty against “gross polluting vehicles”. At present, on-the-spot fine for such vehicles is

Rs 1,000, and if the same vehicle is caught again, the owner has to cough up Rs 2,000.

But in a high-level meeting between Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and environment experts on Monday, the government decided to table a proposal to the Cabinet, seeking to increase the first-time penalty for polluting vehicles to Rs 2,000.

A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said that the government will intensify efforts to crack down on polluting vehicles, over the next three winter months.

There are plans to monitor the vehicles entering Delhi, and suggestions have been made to curb the entry of commercial vehicles not destined for Delhi. Sources said the government is considering setting up check posts on entry points to Delhi.

“It was suggested that checking of all commercial vehicles could be undertaken at the check posts within the borders of UP and Haryana. This will help keep a tab on vehicles that are not destined for Delhi,” a senior official from the Environment department, who attended the meeting, said.

At present, vehicles owners have to apply for pollution check certificates every three months.

The government will also take measures to strictly enforce the ban on burning leaves and garbage in the open. The use of diesel generator sets will be discouraged and there will be an attempt to popularise battery-operated LED lights.

The Environment department has been asked to chalk out a detailed action plan in tune with the climate change agenda of the government. The experts said the delay in construction of Western Peripheral Expressway and Eastern Peripheral Expressway, if brought back on track, could resolve the problem of commercial vehicles crossing through Delhi.

The Chairman of Environment Pollution Control Authority, Bhure Lal, requested the government to take up the issue of the non-completion of these expressways with the Centre. He said the neighbouring states should be told to speed-up work on these roads.

Road to clean Delhi

Increasing penalty against vehicles emitting “visible” smoke

Stop burning of leaves, garbage in the open

Discourage the use of diesel generator sets and popularise battery-operated LED lights