Delhi starts process to install RFIDs to check air pollution

To regulate the entry of commercial vehicles into the national capital and curb air pollution, the Delhi government has started the process of installing Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFIDs) and Weigh-in-Motion machines at all 13 border entry points.
PWD Minister Satyendar Jain has directed officials concerned to take immediate steps to bring down the rising air pollution in accordance with the Supreme Court guidelines of levying Environmental Compensation Charge (ECC) on commercial vehicles entering the national capital.
He held a meeting today with all the departments concerned - MCDs, Transport, VAT, PWD, Environment, DPCC, DSIIDC - on the matter and issued instructions to the officials.

It was decided in the meeting that a foolproof system will be ensured for implementation of the Supreme Court guidelines without any pilferage or lack of clarity, a senior government official said.
RITES (a central government enterprise under the Railways) will prepare the bidding documents for the process so that the work for the installation of RFIDs and Weigh-in-Motion equipments can begin at the earliest.
According to the official, the apex court has already made it clear that the ECC collected ought to be used exclusively for augmenting public transport and improving roads in Delhi.

"The government is also in the process of implementing a series of steps to check air pollution, which assumes serious proportions during winter months. (Announcements in this regard will be made very soon)," the official further said.

In December last year, the ECC had been doubled by the Supreme Court, following which light commercial vehicles with two axles loaded with goods have to pay Rs 1,400 and loaded commercial vehicles with three and four axles have to pay Rs 2,600 to enter the national capital.
The Environment Department has already ordered a crackdown and strict enforcement of imposition of Rs 5,000 fine for burning garbage and dry leaves in the open.
Ahead of a possible spike in pollution levels during Diwali, the city administration had recently directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to monitor air quality and check noise before and on that night.