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New Delhi: Starting December 18, vehicles that do not have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to buy fuel at petrol pumps across Delhi, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Tuesday. The minister said vehicle owners have been given one day to ensure they meet the PUC requirements. From Thursday onwards, petrol pumps will strictly enforce the rule.
Sirsa explained that cameras installed at fuel stations will automatically detect vehicles that do not have a valid PUC certificate. Once identified, these vehicles will be denied fuel without any argument, delay, or disturbance at the petrol pumps. He added that penalties have already been issued to more than eight lakh vehicle owners who are currently operating without valid PUC certificates in the capital.
The minister also said that from Thursday until further notice, only BS-VI compliant vehicles from outside Delhi will be permitted to enter the city, as part of measures to control rising pollution levels.
Criticising the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Sirsa said the party remained in power for the past 10 years but failed to take strong and effective steps to tackle air pollution. He alleged that the party is now blaming the present government and organising protests instead of accepting responsibility.
Sirsa stated that Delhi’s air quality stayed better for almost eight months in 2025 compared to the same period last year. While he acknowledged that pollution levels have increased in recent days, he said the overall situation remains improved due to consistent efforts made by the current government over the past 10 months.
Highlighting several anti-pollution initiatives, the minister said action is being taken on a daily basis. He noted that the height of Delhi’s garbage mountains has been reduced by around 15 metres. Out of 202 acres of land affected by legacy waste, 45 acres have been cleared, reclaimed, and are now being used for plantation drives, which he described as a major achievement.
Sirsa further said the Delhi Pollution Control Committee has installed over 2,000 pollution-monitoring units and has collected fines amounting to Rs 9.21 crore. Other government departments are also actively enforcing pollution-control measures, he added. He pointed out that biomethanation plants can also contribute to pollution, and to address this, the government has distributed 10,000 heaters to reduce emissions and ensure cleaner operations.
The minister said that while the previous government had identified 13 pollution hotspots in 2018, the current administration has identified 62 such locations and is working to improve air quality in these areas. According to him, Air Quality Index levels at these sites have been lower this year than in the past 10 years, except during the Covid period, which he called a significant achievement.
Sirsa said Delhi currently operates around 3,400 electric buses and the government is strongly promoting cleaner public transport. Plans are in place to add 7,500 electric buses, which he said would greatly reduce vehicle-related pollution.
He also said a scientific committee has been set up and has already held meetings to suggest effective pollution-control steps. In addition, the Commission for Air Quality Management has formed its own committee to support these efforts. The minister added that vehicles transporting construction material will be banned, and strict action will be taken against violators. Such vehicles will be sealed, and heavy penalties will be imposed, he said.
