New Delhi: In a renewed push to rein in hazardous air quality, Delhi on Thursday began enforcing stricter restrictions on vehicle movement, barring the entry of private vehicles from outside the city that do not meet BS-VI emission norms. The move is part of a wider set of emergency measures aimed at reducing pollution levels that have continued to deteriorate in recent days.
Alongside the entry restrictions, authorities have also activated the “No PUC, No Fuel” policy across the capital. Under this rule, vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate are being denied fuel at petrol pumps. The enforcement drive is being supported through a mix of technology and on-ground policing, including automatic number plate recognition systems, audio alerts at fuel stations, and assistance from Delhi Police personnel.
To ensure compliance, a significant security presence has been arranged across the city’s entry points. Officials confirmed that nearly 580 police personnel have been stationed at 126 checkpoints, including major border crossings. Teams from the Transport Department have also been deployed at petrol pumps and border locations to oversee the implementation of the new measures.
The restrictions, however, do not apply universally. Vehicles powered by CNG or electricity, public transport services, and those involved in the supply of essential goods or services have been exempted. Despite this, vehicles transporting construction material are not being allowed to enter the city as part of the stricter GRAP-IV emergency curbs currently in force.
Authorities say the steps are necessary to curb vehicular emissions, a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution, and have urged citizens to cooperate by following the rules and opting for cleaner modes of transport wherever possible.
