Air Crisis in Delhi: Fake Pollution Certificates Add to Toxic Smog Problem

As Delhi-NCR grapples with severe air pollution, residents are left gasping for breath under the blanket of toxic smog. While the Delhi government has taken strict measures to reduce pollution, such as halting construction activities, vehicle emissions continue to be a significant but uncontrolled contributor to the crisis. India Today’s Special Investigation Team has uncovered a shocking flaw: Fake pollution under control (PUC) certificates are being issued without any vehicle inspection, further adding to the city’s pollution woes. The investigation began at Noida’s District 20 police station, where the team located a seized vehicle that had not been used for over 18 months. Testing of PUC centers in Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad revealed worrying practices. Narendra, a staff member in Noida’s Sector 95, issued a fake PUC certificate of ₹200 without checking the vehicle, even obtaining the documents from Haryana to avoid scrutiny. At Delhi’s Kapashera, Sandeep, after a little persuasion, issued a certificate of ₹150 and charged extra for photo submission. Ghaziabad’s Lal Kuan center staff offered online verification service to verify the authenticity of fake certificates. This illegal trade undermines Delhi’s efforts to fight pollution and makes the fight against dangerous air even more difficult. Robust controls and systemic revisions are urgently needed to close this dangerous gap. India Today’s Arvind Ojha brings the ground report from New Delhi.