As large parts of the national capital remained enveloped in toxic smog, with air quality firmly in the very poor category, the Delhi government on Thursday began enforcing a fresh set of pollution-control measures, including the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, AQI levels stood at 374 in RK Puram and 349 around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, while Najafgarh recorded an AQI of 284.
The deteriorating air quality has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke all GRAP Stage-IV measures across Delhi-NCR, triggering the latest enforcement push by the city government. The restrictions are aimed at curbing emissions from vehicles, construction activity and dust, as authorities step up on-ground action to prevent further deterioration in pollution levels.
Delhi’s air quality remains ‘very poor’ with AQI over 370 as thick smog blankets the capital
What is banned or restricted in Delhi from today
- Fuel for vehicles without valid PUC: Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be supplied fuel at petrol pumps.
- Entry of non-BS VI vehicles from outside Delhi: Only BS-VI compliant vehicles registered outside Delhi are permitted to enter the city.
- Trucks carrying construction material: Such vehicles remain banned from entering or operating in Delhi.
- Construction activity: Construction work continues to be prohibited under GRAP norms, with strict action promised against violators.
- Full workforce attendance: Government and private establishments are required to operate with 50 per cent work from home to reduce vehicular congestion.
Enforcement teams, ANPR cameras and police deployment at petrol pumps and border checkpoints will regulate and restrict polluting vehicles.