Delhi Air Pollution: A Small Mistake Could Cost You Up to ₹5 Lakh! Know the New Rules Immediately

National Desk: Winter has begun to set in across the national capital Delhi, and along with the falling temperature, the city’s air quality has deteriorated severely. The AQI has remained consistently above 400, turning the city into a virtual “gas chamber.” To combat this dangerous pollution level, the Delhi government has decided to impose stricter measures. Residents who violate pollution-control rules may now face heavy financial penalties.

₹5 Lakh Fine for Violating Pollution Rules

To curb rising pollution during the winter season, the Delhi government has intensified its action plan. Dust control at road-cutting and construction sites is being monitored strictly at the ground level. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has announced a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy for violations of dust-control guidelines. Offenders may be fined up to ₹5 lakh.

Real-Time Monitoring Across the City

Nearly 2,000 enforcement teams from the Environment Department are conducting real-time inspections at construction sites.

Mandatory Rules to Follow:

• Installation of 2-metre-high wind barriers
• Regular water sprinkling on loose soil
• Proper covering of construction debris
• Use of only PUC-certified and properly covered vehicles

Major Action Taken So Far

Government teams have carried out large-scale inspections and issued thousands of fines.

• 331 construction and demolition sites (up to 500 sq. meters) inspected and penalized
• 331 actions taken out of 510 cases of illegal waste dumping
• All 50 complaints of open garbage or biomass burning resulted in challans
• 3,108 vehicles fined for failing to show a valid PUC certificate

Community Kitchens for Labourers

One major cause of pollution is labourers burning wood or waste to cook food. To address this, the government has launched 305 community kitchens, providing cooked meals to over 5,000 people daily. Minister Sirsa has also urged the public to avoid burning trash in the open.

MCD Steps Up Its Action

Following criticism, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has also intensified efforts. The MCD has launched a night-time cleaning drive across the city and increased mechanical sweeping in all 12 zones.

• 29 major roads (315 km) are being cleaned
• 312 markets are swept twice a day

This increased vigilance follows allegations that cleaning machines and water sprinkling were limited to select wards. The government claims that these combined efforts will significantly help in reducing pollution.