Delhi's 'No PUC, No Fuel' Campaign Sees Over 3,700 Vehicles Penalized
Strict Enforcement Amid Poor Air Quality
In the national capital, amidst dense fog and deteriorating air quality, the first day of the 'No PUC, No Fuel' initiative resulted in penalties for more than 3,700 vehicles. Environmental Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa reported that within 24 hours, around 570 vehicles violating regulations or deemed unnecessary were turned back from Delhi's borders. Under this campaign, over 61,000 Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) were issued in the last 24 hours, with a similar number recorded between December 17-18.
Inspection of 5,000 Vehicles at Border Points
On the inaugural day, nearly 5,000 vehicles were inspected at border points, leading to the diversion of 217 unnecessary trucks towards the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways. As part of dust and waste control measures, mechanical road sweepers cleaned 2,300 kilometers of roads, anti-smog guns were deployed on 5,524 kilometers, and 132 illegal dumping sites were shut down.
Penalties Imposed for Non-Compliance
In the past 24 hours, at least 3,700 vehicles were fined in Delhi for lacking valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC). During strict enforcement, 568 vehicles that did not comply with regulations were sent back from border points.
Efforts to Curb Unnecessary Vehicle Entry
Additionally, an official statement indicated that to prevent unnecessary entry into the capital, 217 non-essential trucks were redirected via the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
Sirsa's Surprise Inspections
On Thursday, Sirsa conducted surprise inspections at several petrol stations, including the Delhi-Gurugram border, to ensure adherence to the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule. He engaged with pump staff, urging them to remain calm and courteous while strictly enforcing the rules. He emphasized, "You are the first point of contact in this campaign. Collaborate with the public and explain that these rules are for their health and the well-being of their children."
Crackdown on Polluting Vehicles
The Delhi government stated that actions against polluting vehicles are a crucial strategy to reduce emissions during severe air pollution, targeting road dust, industrial pollution, and waste management.
Ongoing Enforcement Expected
Officials warned that enforcement actions will continue in the coming days, urging vehicle owners to keep their emission certificates updated to avoid penalties and disruptions.
Significant Increase in Penalties
In the last two months, over 156,000 fines have been issued in Delhi for operating vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, as measures to reduce vehicle emissions have intensified, according to official data. The data reveals that enforcement against vehicles lacking valid PUC certificates has more than tripled over the past three years.
Projected Increase in Fines by 2025
The number of fines is projected to rise from 232,000 in 2023 to 598,000 in 2024, and to 822,000 by December 15, 2025. Of these, 156,993 fines, each carrying a penalty of ₹10,000, were issued between October 14 and December 15 during the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) period, constituting a significant portion of the anticipated 822,000 fines in 2025.
Action Against Non-Compliant Private Offices
Sirsa noted that despite directives issued under GRAP-4, some private offices are still not allowing at least 50% of their staff to work from home. He instructed these institutions to comply with the regulations, warning that non-compliance could lead to action.
Monitoring of Construction Waste Violations
Enforcement agencies have also taken action against violations related to construction and demolition (C&D) waste. During the GRAP period, 545 fines were issued for transporting debris and related materials without proper covering, an offense that incurs a penalty of ₹20,000.
Increased Scrutiny of Commercial Vehicles
Data also indicates that commercial and freight vehicles have been closely monitored at Delhi's borders. During the GRAP phase, 290,000 unnecessary freight vehicles were inspected, with 8,682 being turned back.