Delhi's Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, announced on Tuesday that the "No PUC, No Fuel" policy will remain in effect even after the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV restrictions are lifted. This measure is part of the Delhi government's commitment to maintaining strict anti-pollution protocols in the capital.
The "No PUC, No Fuel" rule, implemented on December 18, 2025, prevents vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate from refueling at petrol pumps across Delhi. Fuel stations are mandated to deny petrol and diesel to vehicles unable to produce a valid PUC. Recent enforcement has seen teams from the Transport Department deployed across Delhi, including at fuel stations, to ensure compliance. Authorities have issued over 3,700 challans and denied entry to nearly 570 vehicles in a single day for non-compliance.
Sirsa stated that recent inspections exposed deficiencies within Delhi's emission testing system. Numerous PUC centers were found to be non-functional, and a dozen were operating with faulty equipment. These centers have been suspended and issued notices, with the minister vowing strict action against any violations of the norms. To enhance monitoring, the government has approved four new vehicle emission testing centers and granted permission to open more testing facilities for commercial vehicles.
In addition to the "No PUC, No Fuel" policy, restrictions remain on the entry of vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards. Exemptions apply to CNG or electric vehicles, public transport, and vehicles carrying essential goods or providing essential services. Vehicles transporting construction materials are also barred from entering Delhi during this period.
Sirsa also announced a significant initiative to restore water bodies in Delhi, with a proposed allocation of ₹100 crore. Delhi has approximately 1,000 water bodies that require attention, and the government aims to rejuvenate these resources. The plan aims to clean up the water, improve its ecological balance, and ensure the proper maintenance of the surrounding areas.
The Delhi government has been actively working to revive and restore various water bodies in the city. Past efforts have included the restoration of lakes, with the goal of making Delhi a "City of Lakes". The Delhi Jal Board supplies water to approximately 19.5 million people in Delhi through a network comprising 14,355 km of pipelines and 107 underground reservoirs. The board is also working on creation of water bodies and recharge of groundwater with high quality treated effluent.
