Delhi Clamps Down on Pollution: No PUC Certificate, No Fuel at Pumps

Starting Thursday, drivers in Delhi face a strict new rule. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will be denied fuel at all petrol stations. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the measure. It aims to curb toxic vehicular emissions as air quality dips.

This directive is a key part of the city’s intensified Graded Response Action Plan. According to PTI, the government is taking a hard line on polluting vehicles. The move targets one of the capital’s largest pollution sources directly.

Enforcement and Broader Vehicle Bans Take Effect

The enforcement will be rigorous. Officials will use automatic number plate recognition systems. On-ground checks at fuel stations will also verify PUC status. Minister Rai urged citizens not to argue with enforcement staff if found non-compliant.

The crackdown extends beyond city limits. During severe pollution stages (GRAP 3 & 4), older vehicles below BS-VI standards will be barred entry. Vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited. Any truck carrying construction materials will be turned back when GRAP 4 is active.

Long-Term Strategy Shows Measurable Results

The government stresses this is part of a data-driven, long-term plan. Minister Rai highlighted recent progress. Eight of the last eleven months saw better air quality compared to 2023. Even November’s average AQI was about 20 points lower than last year.

A multi-pronged approach is underway. Over 8.66 lakh vehicles have already been fined for invalid PUCs. Officials are surveying hundreds of industrial units. Approximately 3,200 diesel generators have been checked for compliance with national norms.

Legacy waste is another major focus. Daily processing at landfill sites has surged from 20,000 to 35,000 metric tonnes. The goal is to clear these mountains by 2026. About 45 acres of land have already been reclaimed from garbage.

The “no PUC, no fuel” mandate marks Delhi’s toughest stance yet on vehicular pollution. This decisive enforcement, combined with systemic reforms, aims to secure cleaner air for the capital’s residents.

Info at your fingertips

What is a PUC certificate and why is it needed?

A PUC certificate is a document that verifies a vehicle’s emissions are within government-mandated limits. It is required by law to ensure vehicles do not pollute beyond acceptable standards.

What happens if I try to get fuel without a valid PUC?

Petrol pump attendants are now directed to refuse refueling. You will be turned away until you obtain a valid certificate from an authorized testing center.

How many vehicles have been fined for PUC violations recently?

According to official data, over 8.66 lakh vehicles in Delhi have been issued challans for not having a valid PUC certificate, highlighting the scale of the enforcement push.

What other major steps is Delhi taking against pollution?

Key steps include banning non-BS-VI and out-of-state vehicles during bad air days, clearing landfill sites, checking industrial emissions, and adding thousands of electric buses to public transport.

When do the stricter vehicle entry bans come into force?

The bans on older and non-Delhi registered vehicles are triggered during specific stages of the Graded Response Action Plan, typically when air quality deteriorates to “Severe” or “Severe Plus” levels.