UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02nd April 2025

Home / UPSC / Current Affairs / Environment and Ecology: CAG report on pollution flags ‘flaws’ in AQI data, PUC certificate system

Environment and Ecology: CAG report on pollution flags ‘flaws’ in AQI data, PUC certificate system

CAG report on pollution flags ‘flaws’ in AQI data, PUC certificate system

Why in News?

A CAG report has highlighted inaccuracies in Delhi’s air quality monitoring, lapses in vehicular pollution control, and failure to implement alternative public transport solutions.

Introduction

  • A recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report titled Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi has raised concerns over the accuracy of air quality monitoring in the national capital.
  • The report, tabled in the Delhi Assembly by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, highlighted major discrepancies in pollution monitoring systems and inefficiencies in vehicular pollution control measures.

Key Findings of the CAG Report

  • Unreliable Air Quality Monitoring
    • The locations of air quality monitoring stations did not meet the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines, leading to potential inaccuracies in the Air Quality Index (AQI) data.
    • The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) lacked adequate data, failing to monitor pollutant concentration for the required minimum of 16 hours per day.
    • The DPCC did not measure lead (Pb) levels in Delhi’s ambient air, further affecting data reliability.
  • Inaction on Public Transport Expansion
    • Despite a significant shortage of public transport buses, the Delhi government did not implement alternative transit systems like monorail or trolleybuses, despite budget provisions allocated for the past seven years.
  • Lapses in Vehicular Pollution Control
    • The Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification system had major discrepancies, with many vehicle owners failing to adhere to prescribed pollution-check norms.
    • The system for issuing fitness certificates to commercial vehicles was dysfunctional and prone to misuse.
    • The government failed to enforce the Delhi Management and Parking Places Rules, contributing to vehicular stagnation and congestion due to haphazard parking.
  • Lack of Regulatory Oversight
    • There was no government inspection of pollution-checking centres, nor were any third-party audits conducted to ensure compliance with pollution norms.
Lack of Regulatory Oversight

Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

  • Definition & Purpose
    • Mandatory document for all vehicles in India.
    • Certifies that vehicle emissions are within government-prescribed limits.
    • Required under Central Motor Vehicles Rule, 1989.
  • Validity & Renewal
    • New vehicles exempt for first year.
    • Must undergo regular PUC tests after one year.
    • Typically valid for one year from issuance.
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance
    • Fine up to ₹10,000 or six months imprisonment or both.
    • Possible license suspension for three months.
    • If emissions exceed limits despite a valid certificate, it is cancelled, and a new one must be obtained within 7 days.
  • Applicability
    • Required for petrol, diesel, and CNG vehicles.

Conclusion

  • The CAG report highlights serious inefficiencies in air quality monitoring and vehicular pollution control mechanisms in Delhi.
  • It underscores the need for better enforcement of pollution norms, expansion of public transport alternatives, and stricter regulatory oversight.
  • The findings have also ignited a political debate, reflecting the broader challenge of combating air pollution in India’s capital city.

6 Responses

  1. Woah! I’m really lolving the template/theme of this blog.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between usability and
    visual appeal. I must say you have done a excellent job with this.

    Also, the blog loads supesr quick for me on Internet explorer.

    Exceptioal Blog! http://Boyarka-Inform.com/

  2. Today’s digital casino market continues to evolve at a fast pace, offering players a wide selection of platforms.

    Over the past few seasons, many users have become more focused on regulated environments, choosing
    platforms that prolvide clear operational standards.

    A reputable casino typically offers stable financial handling and supports responsible gambling tools.

    At the same time, players look ffor fresh slot releases and enjoy fast-loading game libraries.

    Overall, the wider casino market provides a blend of modern feathres
    and structured oversight, making it an appealing option for many different types of players.

  3. The modern iGaming landscape continues to evolve at a fwst pace, offering players a wide selection of platforms.

    In recent years, many users have become more focused on regulated environments, choosing platforms that provide independent RNG
    audits.

    A reputable casino typically offers stable financial handling and supports responsible gambling tools.

    At the same time, layers look for fresh slot releases and enjoy
    mobile-friendly interfaces.

    Overall, tthe online casino scene provides a balanced combination of entertainment and safety, making it an appealing option for many different
    types of players.

  4. The online casino industry continues to exdpand rapidly, offering players a
    large variety of reliable operators.
    Recently, many users havbe bcome more focused on licensing and transparency,
    choosing platforms tha provide independent RNG audits.

    A well-regulated platfor typically offers fair return-to-player values and suppoorts balanced gameplay features.

    At the same time, players look for fresh slot releases
    and enjoy mobile-friendly interfaces.

    Overall, the online casino scene provides a balanced combination of entertainment and safety, making it an appealing
    option for many different types of players.

  5. The modern iGaming landscape continues tto
    expand rapidly, offering players a wide selection of platforms.

    In recent years, many users have become more focused on security and fairness, choosing platforms that probide independennt RNG audits.

    A trusted gaming operator typically offers
    consistent payouts andd spports responsible gambling tools.

    At the same time, players look foor modern game mechanics and enjoy smooth navigation.

    Overall, the online casino scene provides a balanced combination of entertainment and safety,
    making it an appealing option for many different types of players.

  6. La industria del casino en línea española ha experimentado
    un crecimiento constante en los últimos años. A partir del
    sistema de licencias vigente, los usuarios pueden acceder a plataformas que garantizan procesos auditados.

    Las plataformas autorizadas deben cumplir protocolos financieros específicos,
    lo que permite un entorno seguro.
    Los jugadores españoles suelen buscar juegos compatibles con dispositivos móviles y
    valoran especialmente la claridad en los métodos de retirada.

    En conjunto, la oferta de casinos en España combija seguridad y
    conteniddo actualizado, posicionándose como uno de los más estructurwdos de
    Europa.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call Us Now !

Copyright © JICE ACADEMY FOR EXCELLENCE PRIVATE LIMITED