A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on steps taken to control Delhi’s air pollution has revealed some interesting finds. The report, titled ‘Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi, 2021’ is expected to be tabled in Delhi Assembly in the ongoing session, The Indian Express reported.
Skewed readings
The report mentions issues like some of the air quality monitoring stations that are placed near trees and roads, might affect the accuracy of the readings.
Wrongful issuing of PUCC
The report also mentions that Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) were issued for two vehicles at the same time, and sometimes even within a minute of each other.
It was reported that 1.08 lakh out of 65.36 lakh vehicles were given Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCCs), even when they were emitting more carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons than what is allowed. The Transport Department had responded to this by suggesting that there were “bugs” in the system and that the task of issuing PUCCs would be given to the National Informatics Centre.
No record of funds used in parking facilities
Additionally, there is no record of the money collected in taxes for building parking facilities in the city. The CAG report states that there is no mention of the funds that were collected, were actually put in use for the parking facilities.
A source told IE that the report states between the year 2014-2015 and 2020-2021, a total of Rs 673.60 crore was collected as parking development charges. Out of this entire amount, Rs 639.92 crore was given to the three Municipal Corporations that existed at the time.
The remaining Rs 33.68 crore were with the Transport Department. However, the department did not have any details regarding how those funds were used to build parking facilities. The CAG has not received any reply from the Delhi government on the issue.
This is one of the 14 CAG reports that the BJP has accused the AAP of “suppressing” when they were in power. Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said the BJP’s claims were meant to confuse people. She said that she had indeed sent the reports to the Assembly Speaker before the elections.