Delhi Pollution: The national capital is gearing up for tougher steps to curb air pollution as the winter season nears. One of the key components of the plan is more rigorous implementation of the No PUCC, No Fuel policy from October 1, which could see vehicles without a Pollution Under Control Certificate being refused fuel.
PUCC checks get stricter
Delhi to crack down on vehicles without valid PUCCs from 1st October. PUCC stands for Pollution Under Control Certificate, which confirms the vehicle’s emissions are within the set limit. Technology will be used to enforce the rules by means of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras at fuel stations. The government claims there are 500 petrol pumps in Delhi with ANPR cameras.
PUCC Becomes Essential for Refueling
Under the new enforcement guideline, a valid PUCC could become necessary even before refueling. The Commission for Air Quality Management has issued directions to ensure that fuel stations in the NCR region don’t sell fuel to any vehicle without a valid PUCC from October 1 onwards, and a technology-based system for identification will be put in place. For motorists, it makes it more important to verify the pollution certificate before each journey or refueling.
Fines for non-compliance
Vehicles without a valid PUCC can also attract a fine under the current provisions. The fine can be as high as 10,000 for contravention, an official has said. Essentially, the PUCC requirement applies to petrol, diesel, and CNG vehicles. Electric vehicles do not have tailpipe emissions and therefore do not need a PUCC.
More checks on vehicles
The Delhi government is also working on introducing more automated vehicle testing. The Burari Automated Testing Station will check vehicles on points like brakes, suspension, headlights, side-slip, and emissions.
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Construction curbs ahead
The plan will also include a stipulation on dust and construction activity: A ban on dust-producing demolition and outdoor civil construction activities will be in effect from Nov. 1. A complete ban on all construction and demolition activities will be in effect Dec. 10 through Jan. 20. This is a sample provided to Carcase.org by the author for personal use only These measures are part of a broader program to tackle all winter sources of pollution, not just vehicles.
Parking and Office Changes
Our winter action plan will also include measures to deter the use of private cars. Parking fees at authorized locations will rise twofold on November 1. Office timings will be staggered, and 50% work from home will be in place in government and private offices from 1 November to 28 February, the government also said.
More public transport
Public transport is also part of the equation. The government has revealed plans to introduce 150 electric buses and increase the use of public transport throughout the pollution period.
What motorists should check?
If you own a vehicle, the first thing to do is to find out whether the PUCC is still valid. It is not if it is past 1 October. The seller will have to take action, and you will have to refuel whether you like it or not – when the more rigorous system is deployed. Further restrictions will be phased in over winter to include zones for vehicle emissions, construction sites, parking, workplaces, burning waste and pollution hotspots.
A broader winter pollution plan
Delhi Pollution: The Winter Action Plan 2026-27 for Delhi integrates vehicle enforcement actions with dust, construction, burning of waste, industrial pollution, and traffic congestion actions. As authorities gear up for the seasonal spike in pollution, experts have raised concerns over whether people’s own actions will have any impact without persistent effort on the key emissions sources.
