Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 18: Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to refuel at petrol pumps across the national capital from Thursday, December 18, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Wednesday.
Addressing the media, Sirsa said vehicle owners have been given one day to comply with the new directive. “After tomorrow, vehicles that do not have a valid PUC certificate will not be provided fuel,” he stated, adding that strict enforcement has already begun, with challans being issued against violators.
The minister claimed that Delhi’s air quality remained better for nearly eight months this year compared to the same period last year, attributing the improvement to sustained efforts by the present government over the past ten months. While acknowledging a recent deterioration in pollution levels, he asserted that the situation was still comparatively better than last year.
Taking a swipe at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Sirsa alleged that after “distorting Delhi,” the party was now attempting to divert public attention by staging protests over pollution. He questioned the concrete measures taken by AAP during its tenure to curb air pollution.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, the minister said daily steps are being taken to tackle pollution, including reducing the height of garbage mountains by 15 metres and cleaning and reclaiming 45 acres of land. He added that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has installed over 2,000 pollution-monitoring plants so far.
Sirsa also noted that biomethanation plants contribute to pollution and said the government has provided heaters to minimise emissions and ensure cleaner operations. He further informed that 13 pollution hotspots have been identified across the city, with concerned agencies tasked to address them. According to him, AQI levels at these hotspots are lower this year than in the past decade, barring the Covid period.
Emphasising cleaner mobility, the minister said the government is pushing for eco-friendly public transport and plans to deploy 7,500 electric buses in Delhi, which would significantly reduce vehicular pollution. He added that a scientific committee has been constituted and has already held meetings to recommend effective pollution-control measures.