Delhi's Winter Air Plan: No Fuel Without PUC!

Delhi's government has announced a proactive winter air quality management framework, with measures to curb seasonal air pollution implemented between November and February. Effective November 1, petrol pumps will refuse fuel to vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).

Furthermore, parking charges at authorized facilities are set to double from November 1 through February 28. The government also plans to restrict the entry of non-BS-VI commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi from November 1 to January 31, with exemptions for CNG, electric, and emergency vehicles.

This framework, notified in June, aims to provide ample preparation time for citizens and businesses, contrasting with previous reactive measures. It will complement the Commission for Air Quality Management's revised GRAP, focusing on advance preparedness and timely interventions.

Strict compliance with dust-control norms at construction sites is mandatory from November 1 to January 31, with potential additional restrictions from December 10 to January 20. Anti-smog guns and mist suppression systems will be required at large construction sites, and drone monitoring will increase to prevent open burning. Violators face penalties.

The Chief Minister emphasized that pollution control requires active participation from all stakeholders, including citizens and industries. The general enforcement period for these guidelines is November 1 to February 28 each year.