What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has advised vehicle owners to use alternative authorized pollution testing centres due to the ongoing strike by Pollution Under Control (PUC) operators at petrol pumps. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot stated that around 300 other authorized centres are operational across Delhi to mitigate the inconvenience.
“To save drivers from any inconvenience, there are 300 other authorized pollution testing centres where they can get the pollution of their vehicles checked,” said Gahlot in a press release. On its second consecutive day, the strike sees petrol dealers protesting against the proposed hike in pollution certificate charges.
Despite the shutdown at petrol pump-based centres, nearly 300 authorised PUC centres remain functional. Gahlot tweeted on ‘X’ that 1,375 vehicles were checked at these centres on Monday, and over 1,464 vehicles were inspected by 4:30 PM on Tuesday. Delhi has approximately 945 PUC centres, including around 600 petrol pumps.
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The government is considering opening additional pollution testing centres at Resident Welfare Association (RWA) premises, big hotels, and commercial centres. “The process will be started soon,” said Gahlot, emphasizing the need for more centres due to the increasing number of vehicles in Delhi.
The government has also asked vehicle owners to find a list of operational pollution testing centres on the Transport Department’s official website.
The Transport Department recently revised the pollution testing fees, effective after government notification. The new rates are Rs 80 for petrol, CNG, or LPG two and three-wheelers, Rs 110 for petrol, CNG, or LPG four-wheelers, and Rs 140 for diesel-powered vehicles. These rates were last revised in 2011.
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The Delhi Petrol Dealers’ Association (DPDA) has called for an indefinite strike, arguing that the fee hike does not cover their increased operational expenses. The DPDA noted that operational costs, including wages, have tripled since 2011, while the new fee hike is only a 35 percent increase after 13 years.
“We are committed to maintaining better air quality in Delhi and all vehicles meeting the required pollution standards,” Gahlot added, acknowledging the long-pending demands of the DPDA and the rising cost of pollution testing services.
The government is addressing the situation to minimise inconvenience and ensure that vehicle pollution testing continues smoothly during the strike.
