To tackle the worsening pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi government has intensified its efforts with a strong focus on controlling pollution at its source. As part of these efforts, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday announced that vehicle owners without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied fuel at petrol pumps from Thursday, December 18, as the national capital continues to grapple with severe air quality levels.
In addition, strict rules have been implemented regarding private vehicles coming from outside Delhi. Private vehicles registered in other states and not meeting BS-VI emission standards will not be allowed to enter the national capital. This decision will particularly apply to vehicles that contribute to air pollution by emitting excessive fumes. Agencies stationed at Delhi’s borders have been instructed to effectively enforce this rule. The government has also taken strict measures against dust pollution caused by construction activities. The transportation of bricks, sand, cement, and other construction materials has been completely banned in Delhi. Heavy fines and other legal actions will be taken against those who violate these rules.
Notably, according to enforcement data, of the total challans issued for violations by police personnel in September, 54,615 were for driving without a PUCC, accounting for 17 per cent. The numbers remained alarmingly high in October as well, with 68,986 PUCC-related challans issued, making up 23 per cent of the total.
Delhi Minister Sirsa apologises
Taking a dig at the previous AAP government and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Minister Sirsa said that the current government has “inherited the problem of pollution.” He said, “Those who spread pollution in Delhi are the ones protesting today.” Giving details of the steps taken by the BJP government to control pollution in Delhi, Sirsa said that the height of the capital’s landfill sites has been reduced by about 15 meters and approximately 8,000 industries have been brought under strict pollution control standards. A fine of Rs 9 crore has been imposed on polluting industries so far.
He added that the pollution crisis could not be reversed in a few months, stating, “It is impossible for any elected government to reduce AQI in 9–10 months. I apologise for the pollution in Delhi. We are doing better work than the previous AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day. This problem of pollution was inherited from the Aam Aadmi Party, and we are working to fix it.” Sirsa further mentioned that the government has distributed 10,000 heaters to reduce pollution caused by burning wood. In addition, instructions have been given to control the use of DJs in banquet halls.
#WATCH | Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa says, "It is impossible for any elected government to reduce AQI in 9-10 months. I apologise for the pollution in Delhi. We are doing better work than the dishonest AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day. This… pic.twitter.com/hmUoMv57Wf
— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2025
