Wed Dec 17 15:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here is a news article based on the provided text, along with a summary:

Summary:

Faced with severe air pollution, Delhi authorities are implementing stringent measures, including a “No PUC, No Fuel” rule, barring entry to older vehicles registered outside Delhi, and banning vehicles carrying construction materials. These steps, triggered by the GRAP Stage-IV restrictions and supported by a Supreme Court ruling, aim to curb vehicle emissions and construction dust, significant contributors to Delhi’s winter pollution. Extensive enforcement measures are in place, including police deployment, checkpoints, and traffic management strategies. The measures will remain in effect until the GRAP Stage-IV restrictions are lifted.

News Article:

Delhi Cracks Down on Polluters with ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule, Vehicle Bans

New Delhi, India – In a drastic effort to combat the capital’s hazardous air pollution, the Delhi government, in conjunction with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), is implementing a series of unprecedented restrictions, effective immediately. The most significant measure is the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule, meaning vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will be denied fuel at all petrol, diesel, and CNG stations across the city.

This move comes as Delhi’s air quality continues to plummet, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels far exceeding safe limits during the winter months. The measures are being implemented under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and will remain in force as long as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV (Severe+) is in effect.

Adding to the crackdown, BS-VI emission standard compliant vehicles registered outside of Delhi will be banned from entering the city. Exemptions are granted to CNG and electric vehicles, public transport, emergency services, and vehicles carrying essential goods or services.

The Supreme Court recently amended its order, providing Delhi-NCR with the permission to undertake stringent actions against old vehicles below BS-IV emission standards. The Delhi government had requested the court’s go-ahead to take action against vehicles below BS-III standards, as these were identified as significant contributors to the growing pollution levels.

Fuel stations have been directed to only dispense fuel upon presentation of a valid PUC certificate. Strict enforcement will include physical certificate verification, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, the VAHAN database, voice alert systems, and police assistance. Violators will face legal action and fines.

Recognizing the significant impact of construction activities on air quality, the government has also completely prohibited the entry of vehicles carrying construction materials such as sand, gravel, stones, bricks, cement, ready-mix concrete, and debris. Vehicles found violating this ban will be subject to seizure and heavy fines.

“According to a comprehensive report from IIT Kanpur, vehicles contribute approximately 19.7% to PM10 pollution and 25.1% to PM2.5 pollution in Delhi during the winter season,” a government spokesperson stated. “Construction activities are also a major source of pollution. These measures directly target these critical areas.”

To ensure strict enforcement, 580 police personnel have been deployed throughout Delhi, supported by 126 checkpoints and 37 ‘Prakhar’ vans. Transport Department officials will also be stationed at petrol pumps to monitor PUC compliance.

Anticipating potential traffic congestion due to the stricter regulations, the government has identified 100 traffic congestion hotspots and is working with Google Maps to improve traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks.

These measures will remain in place until the CAQM lifts or modifies the GRAP Stage-IV restrictions. The government has warned that strict action, including penalties under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, will be taken against any violation of the orders. Authorities are confident that these measures will provide some relief to Delhi’s severely polluted air and enable more effective pollution control.

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