Delhi has hardened its stand against air pollution. The city government has decided to permanently enforce two strict vehicle-related rules under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4). The move comes as air quality remains dangerously high despite temporary improvements.
The first rule bars fuel stations from supplying petrol or diesel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The second rule blocks the entry of cars from outside Delhi that do not meet Bharat Stage VI (BS6) emission norms.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the decision after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The measures will remain in force until further notice, regardless of air quality levels.
What Is the ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ Policy?
Under the new permanent rule, vehicle owners must carry a valid PUCC to buy fuel in Delhi. Petrol pumps will deny fuel to vehicles that fail to show the certificate.
“From now on, it has been decided that out of the restrictions under GRAP-4, we have made two restrictions permanent. The first one is PUCC. You will not get petrol anywhere without a PUCC certificate until next orders,” Sirsa said.
Officials say this step will push vehicle owners to comply with emission standards and reduce pollution from poorly maintained vehicles.
Entry Ban on Non-BS6 Vehicles Explained
The Delhi government has also made permanent the restriction on non-BS6 vehicles entering the city from outside. Cars that do not meet BS6 emission norms will face entry restrictions at Delhi’s borders.
“Vehicles from outside Delhi that are below Bharat Stage VI (BS6) will also face restrictions on entering Delhi,” Sirsa said.
BS6 standards limit harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Authorities believe this ban will reduce pollution caused by older vehicles coming into the Capital daily.
Why the Government Took This Step
Officials have repeatedly flagged vehicular pollution as a major contributor to Delhi’s poor air quality. The government wants long-term compliance rather than short-term emergency measures.
Sirsa had earlier taken a strong stand on the issue. “A vehicle running without a valid PUC certificate is no less than committing a crime against Delhi’s air,” he said.
The policy aims to bring discipline among vehicle owners and create sustained improvement in air quality.
Delhi’s Air Quality Still a Concern
Delhi’s air quality has remained in the ‘very poor’ category for consecutive days. The Air Quality Index crossed alarming levels earlier this week and worsened again after a brief improvement.
On Saturday night, the average AQI stood at 391, close to the ‘severe’ category. Officials fear pollution may rise further during winter due to unfavourable weather conditions.
What Vehicle Owners Should Do Now
Vehicle owners must ensure their PUCC certificates are valid at all times. Those travelling to Delhi must check whether their vehicles meet BS6 standards.
Authorities have warned of strict enforcement. Fuel stations and border checkpoints will monitor compliance closely.
The government believes these permanent curbs will help Delhi move away from crisis-driven pollution control and toward cleaner air in the long run.