Vehicular traffic dips on Delhi roads after GRAP-4 rollout, govt reports

New Delhi: The Delhi government on Thursday said traffic movement across the city has come down noticeably following the strict implementation of pollution-control measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4).

Amid worsening air quality, the government carried out an extensive review to gauge the impact of the tightened curbs. According to an official statement, chief minister Rekha Gupta assessed feedback from cabinet ministers and their departments and noted that the steps taken to curb pollution are showing encouraging results on the ground.

As per the government’s assessment, Delhi’s roads witnessed fewer vehicles than on regular days after the directives came into force. Officials also pointed to a sharp rise in the number of motorists voluntarily obtaining Pollution Under Control certificates, calling it a positive sign of increasing public awareness and cooperation.

The government reiterated that it is strictly adhering to the directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management, under which GRAP-4 is currently being enforced in the national capital. As part of the measures, intensified checks and enforcement drives were carried out, with action taken against violators.

A joint report by the Delhi Transport Department and the Delhi Traffic Police said 210 enforcement teams were deployed for the special drive, including 126 teams from the traffic police and 84 from the transport department. During the exercise, 3,746 challans were issued to vehicles found operating without valid PUC certificates.

The Delhi government said close monitoring and strict enforcement will continue in the coming days to curb vehicular emissions and provide immediate relief to public health.

(with inputs from agencies)