Govt to continue its No PUC, No fuel policy

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Monday said the Delhi government will continue its ‘No PUC, No fuel’ policy for vehicles even after the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) (GRAP)-IV restrictions end. Warning motorists, the minister said driving without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is “no less than committing a crime against Delhi’s air.”

 Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Sirsa said strict enforcement of anti-air pollution measures will continue even after the relaxation of GRAP-IV, and no vehicle without a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will be allowed to operate in the city.

He said inspections revealed that several PUC centres were non-functional, and 12 centres were found to have defective equipment.  These centres have been suspended and issued notices. “Vehicle pollution remains one of the primary contributors to poor air quality,” Sirsa said.

Sirsa stated that vehicle emissions remain a significant source of air pollution. “A vehicle running without a PUCC is committing a crime against Delhi’s air,” he said. Recent inspections found irregularities at 12 PUCC centres, prompting the government to order stricter checks and verification.

The minister also announced that the Delhi cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, reviewed enforcement action against polluting industries as well.

Officials said closure notices have been issued to 411 industrial units by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, while 400 units have been sealed by the MCD, taking the total to over 800 actions.