Fuel Only With PUCC, Permanent Ban on Non-BS6 Vehicles in Delhi: Environment Minister Sirsa

Two emergency measures introduced under the highest stage of Delhi's pollution control plan have now been made permanent, as the city continues to struggle with persistently poor air quality.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the decision reflects the government's push for long-term solutions rather than temporary responses to pollution spikes.

The curbs, earlier part of the Graded Response Action Plan's most stringent phase, will remain in force regardless of daily air quality levels.

PUCC Mandatory for Fuel Purchase Across Delhi

One of the permanent measures requires vehicle owners to carry a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate to purchase petrol. Vehicles without a PUCC will not be supplied fuel until further orders.

Announcing the decision, Sirsa said the move was aimed at ensuring accountability among vehicle owners. "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," he said on Friday.

The Delhi government formally notified this step earlier in the week following a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, making the requirement compulsory across fuel stations in the city.

Entry Ban for Non-BS6 Vehicles From Outside the City

The second restriction made permanent relates to vehicles entering the national capital from neighbouring states. Any vehicle that does not meet Bharat Stage VI emission norms will be barred from entering Delhi.

"Vehicles from outside Delhi that are below Bharat Stage VI (BS6) will also face restrictions on entering Delhi," PTI quoted Sirsa as saying.

Officials said the restriction would remain in effect even when air quality improves, signalling a shift towards sustained emission control rather than short-term emergency action.

Government Flags Vehicular Emissions as Major Polluter

The environment minister has repeatedly pointed to vehicle emissions as one of the leading causes of Delhi's air pollution crisis. Stressing the seriousness of compliance, Sirsa said, "A vehicle running without a valid PUC certificate is no less than committing a crime against Delhi's air."

According to officials, the twin measures are expected to act as a long-term compliance mechanism to curb vehicular pollution and reduce pressure on emergency pollution controls during winter months.

Air Quality Slips Back After Brief Improvement

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category for the second straight day on Saturday. The city recorded an average Air Quality Index of 391 at 10 pm.

Earlier in the week, the AQI had briefly improved after slipping into the 'severe' category on December 23. It dropped to the 'poor' category on Wednesday with an average AQI of 271, before deteriorating again on Friday.

Officials said fluctuating weather conditions and sustained emission sources continue to pose challenges, underscoring the need for permanent regulatory measures.