Story by Bahari Duniya | Written by Ranjan Sharma
No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule to Continue in Delhi Even Post-GRAP-IV: Sirsa
The Delhi government on Tuesday announced that it will continue enforcing the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy for all vehicles, even after the GRAP-IV restrictions are lifted. Officials clarified that motorists without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to refuel, reinforcing the city’s commitment to curbing vehicular pollution.
As part of intensified efforts to combat rising air pollution in the national capital, Delhi had implemented the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule on December 18. The Delhi government on Tuesday confirmed that this policy will continue to be enforced even after the GRAP-IV restrictions are lifted. Under the rule, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to refuel, underscoring the administration’s focus on controlling vehicular emissions.
Addressing a press conference, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that anti-pollution measures will continue in the national capital even after the relaxation of GRAP-IV restrictions. He emphasized that vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to operate in the city, reinforcing the government’s commitment to controlling air pollution and ensuring cleaner air for residents.
The minister also announced that the government will allocate ₹100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies across the city. This initiative aims to improve the urban environment and enhance ecological balance, complementing the ongoing efforts to tackle air pollution and promote a cleaner, healthier Delhi.
Inspections conducted by the authorities revealed that several PUC certificate offices were not operational, while 12 centres were found to have defective equipment. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that these centres have been suspended and notices have been issued to ensure compliance with the city’s anti-pollution regulations.
Delhi Air Pollution
Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to a ‘severe’ level on Tuesday, as thick fog blanketed the city, causing disruptions in both flight and rail services. By 3 pm, the Air Quality Index (AQI) had climbed to 415, reflecting the hazardous pollution levels affecting the capital.
Related video: Delhi Air Pollution: ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule to Continue Even After GRAP-IV Is Lifted | Sirsa
Visibility in Delhi dropped to just 50 metres at both Palam and Safdarjung, leading to major disruptions in transportation. Over 200 flights were delayed at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, while several trains also faced delays, as dense fog compounded the already severe air pollution in the city.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is expected to experience a maximum temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 9 degrees Celsius. The relatively cool weather, combined with dense fog and stagnant air, is likely to worsen the city’s already severe pollution levels.
Dense Fog to Persist Over Delhi for the Next Few Days
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that current weather conditions will continue to support the formation of fog during the morning hours. According to its latest bulletin, the sky over Delhi is expected to remain partly cloudy for the next 24 hours, clear up over the following three days, and then turn partly cloudy again, influencing visibility and air quality in the city.