Hyderabad enforces CCTV crackdown on vehicular pollution
Hyderabad is taking a decisive step towards tackling its escalating air pollution crisis by leveraging technology to enforce vehicular emission norms more rigorously. The Telangana transport department, in collaboration with the state’s police Integrated Command and Control Centre, is set to introduce real-time surveillance to monitor vehicles for compliance with Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification. This initiative aims to bridge existing enforcement gaps and significantly curb unchecked emissions, which have been a major contributor to the city’s deteriorating air quality.
Currently, Hyderabad’s vehicular pollution load stands at an alarming 1,500 tonnes per day, with a mix of carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and other hazardous pollutants choking the city’s air. The city’s efforts to manage emissions have long relied on a manual verification system, where traffic personnel physically check PUC certificates. However, this method has proved inefficient, allowing many vehicles to escape scrutiny. To counter this, authorities will integrate a citywide network of CCTV cameras with an automated system that scans number plates in real time and cross-references them against the PUC database. Vehicles found without a valid certificate will automatically attract an electronic challan, ensuring swift and stringent enforcement without the need for manual intervention.
The implementation of this system represents a fundamental shift in the way Hyderabad approaches pollution control. The transport department has instructed all pollution testing centres to modernise their equipment and integrate with a centralised database within two weeks. This digital overhaul will ensure that every PUC certificate issued is automatically recorded in the transport department’s system and linked directly to the vehicle’s registration number. This move is expected to eliminate fraudulent certificates and create a transparent, verifiable emissions testing regime that holds vehicle owners accountable for their environmental impact. Officials assert that automation will serve as a deterrent against non-compliance, reinforcing the need for regular emissions testing and maintenance. Beyond the city’s core, special attention is being given to the outskirts, where a high concentration of older vehicles poses a greater risk of pollution norm violations. The transport department has deployed over 20 officers who are undergoing specialised training to enhance field enforcement. By focusing on these peripheral areas, authorities hope to bring errant vehicles under the purview of emissions regulations and drive compliance across all segments of the city. The digital challan system will operate on a model similar to those used for traffic violations such as overspeeding and jumping signals, with fines structured based on vehicle type and repeat offences.
This transition towards automated enforcement marks a major stride in Hyderabad’s broader agenda for sustainable urban living. By integrating real-time monitoring with data-driven regulation, the city is reinforcing its commitment to cleaner air and a healthier environment. While the success of this initiative will depend on its seamless execution and public cooperation, its potential to curb vehicular pollution is undeniable. Hyderabad’s move serves as a model for other Indian cities grappling with similar challenges, highlighting how technology can drive meaningful environmental change.
