Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday stated that the Delhi government will continue its ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy even after GRAP-IV curbs are lifted in the national capital. The move is part of the government’s efforts to combat rising air pollution, as the city continues to experience severe smog, with air quality levels ranging from poor to severe and posing serious health risks to residents.
Addressing a press conference, Sirsa said the government will maintain strict anti-pollution measures even after the relaxation of GRAP-IV. He added that enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure that no vehicle without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is allowed to operate in the city. He further announced that the government plans to allocate Rs 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies across the city.
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Sirsa stated that all PUCC will be verified and strict action will be taken against those found to be fraudulent. He added that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also sanctioned four new automatic testing stations. Briefing about the anti-pollution measures taken by Delhi government, Sirsa informed that the DPCC (Delhi Pollution Control Committee) has issued 411 closure notices to control industrial pollution in the capital.
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“All the PUCC (Pollution Under Control Certificates) will be verified, and strict action will be taken against those found to be fraudulent... CM Rekha Gupta has also sanctioned four new automatic testing stations... The ASGs (Anti-Smog Guns) installed on top of high-rise buildings in Delhi have been given more time to operate, and building owners have been given the option to install misting systems around their premises,” Sirsa said.
“ASGs/misting systems are now compulsory. To control industrial pollution in Delhi, the DPCC (Delhi Pollution Control Committee) has issued 411 closure notices so far, and the MCD has sealed 400 units... Due to some Western Disturbance, the weather in Delhi is expected to remain bad... We are trying to take further steps that will prove effective in Delhi,” he added.
What is PUC Certificate?
A PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate is a mandatory document in India that verifies a vehicle’s exhaust emissions are within the permissible limits set by the government. It ensures that the vehicle does not excessively pollute the environment. The PUC Certificate is issued after an emission test at authorised centers. It is required for vehicle registration, insurance renewal, and to avoid hefty fines. This certificate confirms compliance with standards under the Motor Vehicles Act, detailing test results and validity. It is issued for all vehicles including cars, bikes, etc and verifies that emissions like Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbons, Nitrogen Oxides meet legal standards. Under the new rule, vehicles without a valid PUC certificate are not allowed to refuel at petrol pumps in Delhi. The move came into effect on December 18.
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