A major crackdown on the pollution causing vehicles in the twin cities is about to be launched with 100 to 150 per cent increase in the penalties. Though the earlier condition of not supplying fuel to the vehicles with no 'pollution under check' (PUC) certificate was withdrawn, a recent high-level meeting of all concerned officials has decided to raise the penalty for not possessing the PUC certificate, forcing the vehicle-owners to go for pollution check. This decision is expected to come into force within a few days.According to a scientific survey, Hyderabadis are breathing less oxygen and more carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons and suspended particulate matter (SPM), as everyday about 60,000 tonnes of polluted toxic gas is emitted by 7.5 lakh vehicles in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. These emissions are causing all kinds of diseases starting from eye irritation to brain damage.