Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 18: In a landmark move to combat worsening air pollution, the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ regulation came into force across Delhi from Thursday, barring vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate from refuelling at petrol pumps. The measure has been implemented as air quality in the Delhi-NCR region slipped into the ‘Severe Plus’ category, triggering a public health emergency.
The decision follows the activation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV, the strictest anti-pollution framework, by the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the directive will remain in effect as long as Stage-IV restrictions continue.
To ensure strict enforcement, authorities have deployed 580 police personnel and 37 specialised ‘Prakhar’ enforcement vans at 126 checkpoints across the city. Officials from the transport department have also been stationed at fuel stations, while Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and the VAHAN database are being used to verify vehicle compliance.
As part of the intensified crackdown, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi have been barred from entering the capital, along with older diesel commercial vehicles, except those providing essential services. Only BS-VI compliant vehicles, along with CNG, LNG and electric vehicles, are permitted. The restrictions are expected to impact over 12 lakh non-BS-VI vehicles from neighbouring states including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
In addition, trucks carrying construction materials such as sand, gravel and cement have been banned from plying on Delhi roads, with violators facing seizure and hefty penalties. Authorities acknowledged that while the measures may disrupt daily travel and logistics, they are necessary to curb toxic smog and protect vulnerable groups, including children, senior citizens and those suffering from respiratory ailments.