If you don’t follow the rules from today, your car will be lost! ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ implemented, fine up to Rs 20 thousand may have to be paid; 580 policemen will take to the streets

In view of the deteriorating air health in the national capital Delhi, the government has taken the most stringent step so far. Delhi Government and Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) have announced that ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule will be strictly implemented in the capital from Thursday, December 18. This simply means that vehicles which do not have a valid Pollution Control Certificate (PUC) will not be given any kind of fuel.

This decision has come at a time when the air of Delhi-NCR reaches extremely toxic levels during the winter season. Dangerous pollutant particles like PM2.5 and PM10 are being recorded many times above the prescribed standards. The government says that if strict action is not taken now, the situation may become even more serious.

What is the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule?

According to the new instructions of the Delhi government, only those vehicles which have a valid PUC certificate will be available to fuel at all the petrol, diesel and CNG pumps in the capital. If vehicles are found taking fuel without PUC, legal action will be taken against them. PUC’s investigation will not be limited to paper certificates only. For this, help of ANPR cameras, VAHAN database, voice alert system and police force will be taken so that there is no laxity of any kind.

During the implementation of GRAP Stage-IV (Severe+), vehicles registered outside Delhi and having emission standards less than BS-VI will be completely banned from entering the capital. This also includes BS-III and BS-IV category vehicles. According to government data, this decision will affect lakhs of vehicles entering Delhi every day.

• More than 4 lakhs from Noida
• About 2 lakhs from Gurugram
• About 5.5 lakh vehicles from Ghaziabad

Which vehicles will get exemption?

However, there is no ban on everyone. Relief has been given to BS-VI compliant vehicles, as well as CNG, LNG, electric and hybrid vehicles. Apart from this, vehicles related to public transport, emergency services and supply of essential goods will also be exempted. The government has made it clear that now CNG will also be given only to vehicles with valid PUC. According to the notification of Delhi Government, from December 18, it will be mandatory for all CNG vehicle drivers to show PUC while filling fuel.

Complete ban on vehicles carrying construction material

The government has also directly attacked construction works, which are considered a major cause of pollution. There is a complete ban on entry of any vehicle carrying sand, ballast, stones, bricks, cement, ready-mix concrete and debris in Delhi. If rules are broken, vehicles can be confiscated and heavy fines will be imposed.

What does Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa have to say?

According to Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the government is fighting pollution on four fronts – vehicle emissions, dust, industrial pollution and garbage. He has clearly said that fuel will not be given to any vehicle without a valid PUC and for this, full help of cameras and police will be taken. The government is also preparing to work with Google Maps on 100 traffic hotspots to deal with traffic jams and launch a carpooling app in the future.

How much penalty for violation?

Strict action will be taken against those who break the rules under the Motor Vehicles Act. Fine up to ₹20,000 for first time violation. Vehicle seized for repeatedly breaking rules. In the recent campaigns, till now challans on more than 8 lakh vehicles, about 20,000 old vehicles and 993 non-compliant bus-trucks have come under the scanner.

Why were such strict measures necessary?

According to a report by IIT Kanpur, in Delhi in winter

19.7% in PM10 pollution

25.1% in PM2.5 pollution

Contribution comes only from vehicles. This is the reason why the government has imposed strict restrictions on vehicles and construction activities.

How long will these rules remain in force?

All these instructions will remain effective till GRAP Stage-IV remains in force. As soon as this stage is removed or changed, the rules will change accordingly. The government has clearly said that if GRAP Stage-IV is implemented again in future, no separate order will be issued, the rules will be implemented automatically. The government claims that these strict steps will provide some relief to Delhi’s air and effective control of pollution will be possible.