New Delhi | December 17, 2025
In its toughest move yet to curb vehicular pollution, the Delhi government has announced that vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC) will no longer be allowed to purchase petrol, diesel, or CNG in the national capital starting today. Additionally, only BS-6 compliant vehicles will now be permitted to enter Delhi.
The announcement was made by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa at the Delhi Secretariat, underlining the government’s zero-tolerance approach toward rising air pollution levels.
Strict Directions Issued to Fuel Stations
Sirsa said clear instructions have been issued to all petrol, diesel, and CNG pump operators across Delhi to strictly deny fuel to vehicles lacking a valid PUC certificate. He emphasized that controlling tailpipe emissions remains the government’s top priority and that no leniency will be shown in enforcement.
Entry Restrictions During GRAP III and IV
The minister further announced that all non-Delhi registered vehicles below BS-4 standards will be barred from entering the capital whenever GRAP Stage III or IV is implemented. During GRAP-IV, vehicles carrying construction material will also be completely prohibited from entering Delhi.
ANPR Surveillance and Ground Checks
To ensure compliance, the government will deploy Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems along with intensive ground-level inspection drives. Vehicle owners have been urged to get their PUC certificates renewed on time to avoid inconvenience.
Improvement in Air Quality Claimed
Highlighting the government’s pollution-control efforts, Sirsa said that during the current administration’s tenure, average AQI levels have declined in eight out of the last ten months. Even during November, traditionally one of Delhi’s most polluted months, the average AQI reportedly improved by nearly 20 points compared to previous years.
Crackdown on Industry, DG Sets, and Construction
The environment minister added that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and other departments have intensified action against polluting industrial units. So far, over 2,000 notices have been issued and penalties exceeding ₹9.21 crore have been imposed. Enforcement against illegal diesel generator sets and construction-related pollution will also continue.
The government maintains that these measures are essential for long-term structural improvement in Delhi’s air quality.
