Wed Dec 17 15:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here is a news article summarizing the provided text:

Delhi-NCR Grapples with Severe Air Pollution: Strictest Measures Yet Implemented

New Delhi: In a desperate bid to combat the severely degraded air quality plaguing the National Capital Region, the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) have announced unprecedented measures effective immediately.

Starting Thursday, Delhi implements a “No PUC, No Fuel” rule, barring vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate from purchasing petrol, diesel, or CNG. Fuel stations have been directed to strictly enforce this rule, with violators facing legal action and fines. Enforcement will involve physical certificate checks, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, the VAHAN database, voice alert systems, and police assistance.

Furthermore, the entry of vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards is now completely prohibited. Exemptions will be made for CNG and electric vehicles, public transport, emergency vehicles, and vehicles transporting essential goods and services.

The order, issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is in effect as long as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV (Severe+) remains in place. These measures come as Delhi’s air quality plummets to hazardous levels during the winter months, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels far exceeding permissible limits.

The Supreme Court also recently amended its order to allow strict action against older vehicles below BS-IV emission standards in Delhi-NCR. The Delhi government had requested permission to target BS-III and older vehicles, citing their significant contribution to pollution.

To further curb pollution, a complete ban is in place on the entry of vehicles carrying construction materials like sand, gravel, stone, bricks, cement, ready-mix concrete, and debris. Violators face vehicle seizure and heavy fines.

According to a comprehensive IIT Kanpur report, vehicles contribute approximately 19.7% to PM10 pollution and 25.1% to PM2.5 pollution in Delhi during winter. Construction activities also significantly contribute to air pollution.

To enforce these stringent measures, 580 police personnel have been deployed across Delhi, with 126 checkpoints established, including 37 ‘Prakhar’ vans. Transport Department officials will also be present at petrol pumps to ensure PUC compliance.

Acknowledging potential traffic congestion, the government has identified 100 traffic jam hotspots and will work with Google Maps to improve traffic flow.

The regulations will remain in effect until GRAP Stage-IV is lifted or modified by the CAQM. The government has vowed strict action against violators under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and other relevant laws, expressing confidence that these steps will significantly improve Delhi’s air quality.

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