Hyderabad: As the city is grappling with worsening air pollution, especially due to unchecked vehicular emissions, the Telangana transport department is rolling out a real-time enforcement system to crack down on vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
In collaboration with the Telangana police Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), the transport department aims to automate challan issuance using real-time surveillance.
Using a citywide extensive network of CCTV cameras, the system will scan vehicle number plates in real time and cross-check them against the PUC database. Vehicles found without a valid certificate will automatically receive an e-challan. “The technology will be seamlessly integrated with our existing vehicle registration and PUC databases, ensuring real-time monitoring and enforcement,” said C Ramesh, Hyderabad’s joint transport commissioner.
Currently, the city’s Vehicular Pollution Management System (VPMS) stores online records of PUC certificates. However, enforcing PUC compliance remains a manual process, requiring police officers to physically stop vehicles and verify PUC certificates from drivers. With Hyderabad’s vehicular pollution load surging to 1,500 tonnes per day — releasing carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and other hazardous gases — the transport department is now ramping up its enforcement efforts to curb violations more effectively.
The digital challan system will function similarly to existing traffic fines for offences like helmetless riding, jumping signals, and overspeeding. The fines will be based on the vehicle category and repeat offences. “This automation will reduce manual intervention, enhance compliance, and act as a deterrent against pollution violations,” officials said.
Upgrading systems
To ensure smooth implementation of the PUC challan system, the Telangana transport department has directed all pollution testing centres to upgrade their equipment and integrate with a new centralised computerised system within two weeks.
This digital revamp will ensure that every issued PUC certificate is automatically uploaded to the transport department’s online database, directly linking it to the vehicle’s registration number. “The system will eliminate fraudulent certificates and create a transparent, traceable record of emissions testing,” officials confirmed.
Additionally, the department is expanding its enforcement efforts, with over 20 officers currently undergoing training for field operations. Special focus is being placed on the city’s outskirts, where older vehicles are more likely to violate emission norms. “The peripheries have a higher concentration of ageing vehicles flouting pollution laws,” officials noted.
The move marks a significant step towards reducing vehicular pollution in Hyderabad, leveraging technology for stricter compliance and cleaner air.
