In a decisive move to curb rising pollution levels, authorities in India’s capital and surrounding regions have imposed fines on thousands of vehicle owners and construction sites for violating pollution regulations. This enforcement action aims to address a significant decline in air quality over the past three weeks.
According to the Swiss air quality monitoring group IQAir, New Delhi remains the world’s most polluted major city. On Monday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classified the air quality as "very poor," with a pollution index score of 373, where levels between 0-50 are considered "good."
Nearly 60,000 vehicles were fined, with officials noting that 54,000 lacked a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, confirming acceptable emission levels. Additionally, around 3,900 vehicles were impounded for being "overaged." More than 7,500 construction sites were also fined, with 597 ordered to pay environmental compensation and 56 directed to halt operations.
New Delhi’s air quality worsens annually during winter as cold air traps emissions from vehicles, construction dust, and agricultural fires from nearby states Punjab and Haryana. This results in frequent school closures and restrictions on construction activities. Officials anticipate air quality to remain "very poor" until mid-week, with the following days potentially reaching the "severe" category, affecting those with preexisting conditions and the general public alike.
IQAir has ranked New Delhi as the world’s most polluted capital for four consecutive years. Across South Asia, deteriorating air quality continues to be a major public health issue, with the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) estimating that prolonged exposure can reduce life expectancy in the region by over five years.
The effects of pollution are felt across the border as well, with Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, recording the world’s second-highest pollution levels on Monday. In response, authorities in Lahore have closed primary schools for a week and advised residents to stay indoors. Pakistani officials have announced plans to engage in talks with India to address cross-border pollution, which they say is affecting local air quality.