Is Delhi’s 'No PUC, No Fuel' Rule Starting Tomorrow?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- No PUC, No Fuel rule enforced from December 18.
- Vehicles without valid PUCC will be denied fuel.
- Non-BS VI vehicles from outside Delhi barred entry.
- 580 police personnel at 126 checkpoints.
- Minister urges public cooperation for cleaner air.
New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) The Delhi government will implement stringent enforcement of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule starting December 18. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at combating the escalating air pollution crisis in the national capital.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Wednesday that he has given unyielding directives to agencies, petrol station operators, and law enforcement to guarantee adherence from day one.
As per the enforcement strategy, vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied fuel at petrol stations across Delhi. Additionally, non-BS VI vehicles registered outside the city will not be permitted to enter.
Officials reported that 126 checkpoints, including border crossings, will be staffed by 580 police officers supported by 37 Prakhar Vans. Enforcement teams from the Transport Department will also be positioned at petrol stations and crucial entry points.
During meetings with petrol station proprietors and senior traffic police officials, Sirsa emphasized that the government is tackling pollution on four fronts—vehicular emissions, dust, industrial waste, and solid refuse.
He cautioned fuel vendors that supplying petrol or diesel to vehicles without a PUCC will result in punitive measures. The enforcement will be supported by ANPR cameras, voice alerts at fuel stations, and police assistance.
Urging the public for cooperation, the minister asked citizens to refrain from engaging in disputes with enforcement personnel.
“Please do not argue or create disputes with officers or pump staff. The air of Delhi is our collective legacy; cooperate for the health of our children and future. Each resident of Delhi must ensure their vehicle’s PUC certificate is current. More than a regulation, it’s a mutual obligation,” he stated.
Simultaneously, the government is considering a collaboration with Google Maps to devise an integrated traffic management system, with plans to map at least 100 traffic hotspots for focused interventions. A carpooling application to advocate for shared mobility is also under review.
Meanwhile, the Public Works Department has initiated a permanent mechanism for pothole monitoring through a third-party survey agency to guarantee repairs within 72 hours, operating under an annual rate contract model. Another independent agency will continuously audit pollution control efforts throughout the year.
Earlier, Sirsa, along with Trilokpuri MLA Ravikant, accused an AAP councillor of igniting garbage in the Trilokpuri area to exacerbate pollution levels.
Labeling the incident as “deeply unfortunate,” the minister called for political parties to refrain from what he termed detrimental politics and to unite in addressing Delhi’s air pollution emergency.