Cameras Installed at City Borders to Identify and Prevent Old-Polluting Vehicles: Delhi Minister
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Synopsis
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the finalization of the Environment Action Plan 2025-26, aiming to reduce air pollution through advanced technology, including ANPR cameras to restrict polluting vehicles at city borders.
Key Takeaways
- Environment Action Plan 2025-26 focuses on reducing air pollution.
- ANPR cameras will monitor vehicle entries at borders.
- End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) will be restricted from entering Delhi.
- Departments are directed to optimize implementation schedules.
- Public awareness initiatives will support environmental sustainability.
New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Friday that the government is in the process of finalizing an Environment Action Plan 2025-26. This plan will incorporate a range of technology-driven, impactful measures aimed at significantly reducing air pollution.
He emphasized that a key component of these initiatives is the effort to limit polluting vehicles from entering the capital. This will commence with the installation of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at all entry points to Delhi.
The minister led a meeting involving senior officials from the Environment Department, Transport Department, and Delhi Traffic Police to assess strategies aimed at preventing the entry of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), which are significant contributors to vehicular pollution.
Sirsa also evaluated timelines and objectives across essential areas, including control of vehicular emissions, improvement of air quality, mass tree planting, and proper management of solid and Construction and Demolition waste. Additionally, the deployment of water sprinkler trucks and anti-smog guns is set to begin on June 1.
Departments such as DPCC, MCD, NDMC, Delhi Jal Board, and Delhi Traffic Police have been instructed to optimize their implementation schedules and report back with updated plans, as stated by an official.
The meeting also explored new approaches for electric mobility, forest preservation, Yamuna rejuvenation, and increased public education initiatives on environmental sustainability.
The minister ordered the swift installation of ANPR cameras, which will automatically record the numbers of incoming vehicles, verify them against the VAHAN database, and determine if the vehicle is authorized to enter the capital.
Details of vehicle registrations will be checked, and if categorized as an ELV, an alert message will be displayed via an LED system. LED screens at border points will showcase vehicle numbers and send “wrong entry” alert SMS and WhatsApp notifications to the vehicle owner.
“We aim to tackle pollution at its source,” stated Sirsa.
“Following this principle, ANPR cameras are being rolled out in stages at Delhi’s borders to identify and restrict end-of-life and unfit vehicles. This initiative goes beyond mere enforcement; it is about safeguarding the health of our citizens. By leveraging data, automation, and inter-state communication, we are establishing a pollution barrier around Delhi,” he emphasized.
The deployment of these cameras will also help to educate truck drivers and vehicle owners about the constraints on ELVs entering Delhi. This system is not only intended to avert violations but also to promote extensive awareness within the transportation community, ensuring the message is effectively communicated and embraced across various regions.
