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No PUC? No Entry: Delhi's Strict New Rule
31 Oct
Summary
- Vehicles without PUC certificates are barred from Delhi starting November 1.
- The PUC test's ability to detect key pollutants like nitrogen oxides is questioned.
- Many vehicles with valid certificates have failed on-road emission tests.
Starting November 1, Delhi will enforce a stricter Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) measure, barring vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates from entering the capital. This directive from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) mandates that fuel stations refuse service to vehicles lacking these certificates.
Authorities are increasing vigilance, with the Delhi Police announcing strict enforcement, including impounding or penalizing visibly polluting vehicles. Even BS-VI compliant vehicles must now possess up-to-date PUC certificates to enter Delhi.
Concerns have been raised about the PUC test's efficacy, as it primarily measures carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions at idle, failing to adequately detect nitrogen oxides or fine particles. Research indicates a significant portion of Delhi's winter haze, specifically PM2.5, is attributed to secondary particles formed from various gases, with vehicles contributing directly and indirectly.
Previous audits have highlighted issues within the PUC testing system, including vehicles passing despite exceeding emission limits and instances of rapid or undocumented testing. While the test captures some severe polluters, it often misses vehicles with normal idle readings but high nitrogen oxide or particle emissions, leading to continued pollution on the roads.
