New Delhi, Dec 16 (ANS) The Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa revealed on Tuesday that starting December 18, vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be prohibited from refueling at petrol stations in Delhi.

During a press conference at the Delhi Secretariat, Sirsa stated, “To mitigate vehicular emissions, all petrol, diesel, and CNG pump operators must sell fuel only upon presentation of a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).”

He pointed out that more than 8.66 lakh vehicles have faced penalties in Delhi for not possessing valid PUCC certificates, which has notably heightened compliance and awareness among vehicle owners.

In response to political opposition and protests by the Aam Aadmi Party, Sirsa remarked sharply: “Those who governed Delhi for a decade and burdened this city with pollution are now protesting against the very problem they caused. They left Delhi overwhelmed by garbage and smog, yet now they pretend to be champions of clean air.”

The Minister noted that previous administrations identified only 13 pollution hotspots in Delhi, while the current administration has pinpointed 62 traffic congestion hotspots and initiated targeted interventions to address these areas.

Sirsa continued, “To safeguard Delhi’s air quality, all vehicles registered outside the city and below the BS-VI category will be barred from entering Delhi during GRAP III & IV. The city will not permit any polluting vehicles to enter and damage the air quality.”

Additionally, vehicles transporting construction materials will not be allowed entry into Delhi during GRAP Stage IV.

The Minister emphasized that Automatic Number Plate Recognition and on-site checks will be utilized to confirm the PUCC status and emission category of vehicles, directing citizens to refrain from engaging in disputes with enforcement personnel at fuel stations and borders if they are non-compliant.

Sirsa underscored that the current government is committed to data-driven, scientifically formulated strategies aimed at reducing pollution levels.

He stated, “In the past 11 months, we have achieved improved air quality in 8 out of 11 months compared to the same period last year. Even in November, typically a month of severe AQI, the average AQI is approximately 20 points lower than last year. This reflects the effectiveness of targeted enforcement and long-term structural reforms.”

The Minister mentioned that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and district teams are conducting a comprehensive survey of industrial units, including redevelopment and non-conforming areas. So far, 824 units have been identified for action.

Over 2,000 notices and penalties totaling around Rs 9.21 crore have been issued to violators for breaching pollution regulations, in addition to actions taken by other departments, he added.

An extensive crackdown on diesel generator sets and polluting commercial entities is also in progress. Approximately 3,200 diesel generators have been verified for compliance with CAQM norms. Non-compliant units face closure and penalties, while around 318 banquet halls in Delhi have been instructed to ensure their DG sets meet specified standards or face sealing.

Highlighting the government's dedication to permanently eradicating legacy waste, Sirsa noted that daily processing of legacy waste at Delhi’s three landfill sites has escalated from roughly 20,000 MT per day to nearly 35,000 MT per day, aligning with the objective of completing biomining by 2026.

He stated that of the approximately 202 acres covered by garbage mounds, around 45 acres have already been reclaimed, with plantation forests established on the cleared land, including a dense forest being developed on approximately 7 acres.

Regarding transportation, Sirsa declared, “Delhi’s public transport is undergoing a significant green transition. With 3,427 electric buses already introduced and a target of 7,000 by December 2026, this will drastically reduce vehicular emissions in the city.”

In making a strong appeal to the citizens of Delhi, Sirsa stated, “No government can eliminate pollution entirely within 9–10 months, but the intent and direction are clear. Each day, the AQI is being reduced, step by step. Clean air is achievable only when the government and citizens collaborate sincerely.”

He urged all vehicle owners to promptly secure valid PUCC certificates and strictly follow the new fuel and entry regulations. “If you arrive at a petrol station without a PUCC after tomorrow, you will not receive fuel. Do not argue with staff or enforcement teams; this is about the health and future of your own children,” he stated.