UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02nd April 2025
Environment and Ecology: 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.
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.
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