Thu Dec 18 17:25:40 UTC 2025: Delhi’s “No PUC, No Fuel” Rule Faces Implementation Hurdles as Air Quality Worsens

New Delhi: Delhi’s ambitious “No PUC, No Fuel” directive came into effect on Thursday, but initial enforcement was uneven, and the city’s air quality continued to deteriorate, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the new policy.

The initiative aims to curb vehicular emissions by denying fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). Officials issued thousands of challans and turned away non-compliant vehicles at border checkpoints, while Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa conducted surprise inspections. Over 61,000 PUCCs were issued in a 24-hour period, and nearly 4,000 vehicles were fined.

Despite the crackdown, an NDTV ground report revealed lax enforcement at several petrol pumps, where staff admitted they were not actively checking for PUCCs. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) worsened throughout the day, climbing from 356 in the morning to 397 by evening, edging closer to the “severe” category.

Minister Sirsa acknowledged the challenges in achieving uniform implementation but expressed confidence that “even 80% implementation” would be a success. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation and framed the initiative as a public health measure, not just a punitive one.

Civic agencies also reported efforts to combat pollution through road sweeping, anti-smog measures, and waste management. However, the impact of these measures on immediate air quality remains unclear. As Delhi braces for another polluted night, the initial rollout of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule highlights the ongoing struggle to translate policy into tangible improvements in air quality.

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