NGT Orders Strict Action Against Govt Vehicles Plying Without Valid PUC In Delhi
Camera-based enforcement will automatically flag vehicles lacking required pollution certification, and authorities must ensure compliance before government vehicles operate.
Published : August 24, 2026 at 2:34 PM IST
New Delhi: In view of rising pollution levels in the national capital, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a strict stance on Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates for government vehicles and hired vehicles engaged in government work.
In its latest directive, the NGT has clearly stated that no government vehicle should ply on the roads without a valid PUC and action should be taken against violations.
The matter came up during the hearing of a petition filed by MLA Jitendra Mahajan, who had raised questions over the PUC status of government vehicles and compliance with the rules. He argued that pollution-control regulations should apply equally to all vehicles and that government vehicles cannot be exempt.
During the hearing, the Transport Department told the NGT that its camera-based challan system does not discriminate between government and private vehicles.
According to the department, the system has been configured to flag vehicles without valid PUC certificates. As soon as cameras detect such vehicles, they automatically enter the challan process.
Government Vehicle Data Raises Concern
According to the Transport Department, 12,399 vehicles associated with the Delhi government lack valid PUC certificates. Meanwhile, valid pollution certificates are available for 14,569 vehicles, while PUC data for 4,027 government vehicles is unavailable.
The department said it has issued 1,360 challans so far.
Jitendra Mahajan said that rules should apply equally to everyone. If a private vehicle can be challaned for operating on the road without a PUC certificate, government vehicles should not be treated differently, he said, adding that strict compliance with pollution-control regulations is necessary.
Subsequently, the NGT directed the Transport Department to ensure effective implementation of the rules on the ground and said no government vehicle without a valid PUC should be allowed to operate on the roads.
The matter was disposed of following the tribunal's directions.
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