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“At 9 a.m. we saw more than two dozen vehicles parked,” said the traffic constable, requesting anonymity.
Traffic police officer directing traffic at a busy junction. “Almost half of them had no valid PUC; in line with CAQM’s order, we issued fines and towed two cars already burdening the traffic lanes.”
What led to this strict enforcement?
On 19 October 2025, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a formal order (No. 120017/27/GRAP/2021) implementing Phase-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the entire National Capital Region (NCR). The decision was taken after Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) crossed 300 – specifically, it reached 296 at 4 pm and 302 at 7 pm on the same day.
Under Stage-II (which corresponds to “very poor” air quality, AQI 301-400), CAQM has activated a 12-point action plan that complements the measures already in place under Stage I.
Key measures include dust-control efforts (vacuum sweeping, water-sprinkling roads), strict regulation of DG sets, discouraging private vehicle use (through higher parking charges), monitoring of heavy-traffic corridors and construction/demolition (C&D) sites, and increasing public-transport services.
On-ground enforcement: focus on vehicles
Although the official order does not specifically mention confiscation of private vehicles with lapsed PUCs – that is under the purview of vehicle-emissions and transport authorities – traffic personnel in Delhi this morning interpreted the action as part of the broader enforcement mood under Phase II.
At Rajghat check-point:
- The car registration number of every vehicle stopped at a red light was being checked; There is no blanket way to “just pass by”.
- The validity of the PUC certificate was checked on the online system which the traffic constables logged into on their mobile phones; Many vehicles failed to present valid certificates.
- The drivers of the two cars were told that their vehicles would be confiscated until they presented valid PUC and paid the fine.
- Traffic flow was slower than usual, as additional manpower was deployed to monitor traffic lights continuously instead of just one.
Anita (name changed), a driver, said: “I was late in getting my PUC checked because of work, and today the bus stopped me. They told me the car will be here until the PUC is shown. I had to call for a ride home.”
Widespread implications for motorists
For motorists in Delhi today:
- It is important to have a valid PUC certificate; Fines are likely to be higher if caught during this Phase II enforcement period.
- Even though the order does not explicitly name “seizure at traffic signals”, the current environment suggests that vehicles with lapsed PUC are being treated more strictly.
- With dust control and traffic-flow measures in place (water sprinkling, vacuum sweeping, additional traffic staff), the possibility of delays is high – commuters are advised to plan extra time.
Why now, and for how long?
The timing of Stage II has raised questions: The order comes just ahead of Diwali festivities, when fireworks, stubble burning in neighboring states, low wind speeds and cold temperatures are expected to increase pollution.
CAQM emphasizes that implementation will be reviewed regularly, and concerned agencies should monitor, implement, and report on actions under both Phase I and Phase II.
what to watch
- Will the traffic police adopt the same approach at other signals (noting, PUC checking, impounding)?
- Should the AQI remain in the 300+ “very poor” bracket or decline, that could trigger a continuation or escalation (to Phase III) of GRAP measures.
ground level
The vehicles in the city are being strictly checked. With the Phase-II GRAP order of CAQM coming into effect, Delhi Traffic Police is not just checking compliance – they are enforcing it with visible action. If your PUC certificate has lapsed then this is not the time to ignore it.