New Delhi | A recent audit has uncovered widespread irregularities in vehicle pollution testing across Delhi. According to a CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report presented by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), thousands of vehicles in the national capital are operating without valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificates. The report highlights that between 2018 and 2021, only 46 to 63 percent of vehicles underwent proper emission testing, while several centers issued certificates without conducting the actual tests.
The report also revealed that Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses and other cluster buses were non-compliant with rules. Several buses were found running on the roads without proper testing. CAG questioned how authorities can expect citizens to follow pollution norms when government vehicles themselves fail to comply.
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Massive Fake Testing Across Vehicles: Delhi has 953 PUC centers, but their distribution is uneven, with 31 percent catering only to specific types of vehicles like buses and trucks. The report noted that out of 22.14 lakh diesel vehicles, only 24 percent were properly tested. Similarly, of the 65.36 lakh petrol/CNG vehicles, only 1.08 lakh underwent correct testing. Shockingly, 5,661 out of 10.61 lakh BS-IV vehicles were cleared without proper assessment. At some centers, multiple vehicles were tested in a single minute, raising serious concerns of fraudulent procedures.
Rising Risk from Old Vehicles: Delhi continues to host a significant number of BS-III and BS-IV diesel vehicles, which emit hazardous pollutants. The report suggested that installing Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) on these vehicles could reduce PM and NOx emissions by 60–90 percent. However, no pilot project has been initiated so far. Currently, Delhi has 4.64 lakh BS-IV diesel vehicles, posing severe health and environmental risks.
Outdated Fitness and Testing System: The audit also pointed out that only two major fitness centers—Burari and Jhilmil—are operational for comprehensive testing, and even there, most procedures remain manual. Limited staff and lack of automated testing facilities (ATS) mean accurate vehicle assessments are not possible. Of the city’s 4.1 lakh annual vehicle testing capacity, 88 percent still occurs manually.
Interstate and Non-Compliant Vehicles: The report noted that 47 percent of PUC violations are by vehicles from other states. Of 128 entry points, only seven are being actively monitored. Between 2018 and 2020, 52,711 “smoky vehicle” fines and 44,089 fines for missing PUC were issued, but staffing shortages prevented full coverage.
PAC’s Strict Recommendations:
- Equitable distribution of PUC centers across all zones with sufficient capacity.
- Mandatory monthly testing for every vehicle.
- Implementation of SMS reminders and e-challan system.
- Remote Sensing Devices (RSD) for on-road real-time testing.
- Expansion of Automated Testing Centers and reduction of manual testing.
- Mandatory installation of DPF filters in old diesel vehicles.
- Immediate scrapping of vehicles past their operational life.
- Increase enforcement staff and ensure 24×7 monitoring.
Experts said that implementing these recommendations would not only control pollution but also strengthen a safe, transparent, and reliable vehicle testing ecosystem in the capital.
The report underlines the urgent need for modernization, stricter enforcement, and better infrastructure to ensure public health and environmental safety. Without such reforms, Delhi’s fight against vehicular pollution will remain ineffective despite numerous regulations.
