New Delhi, December 18, 2025:
The Delhi Government has reported encouraging results from its strict pollution control measures, observing a noticeable reduction in vehicular movement on city roads and increased public compliance with Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reviewed ground-level feedback from her Cabinet colleagues and departmental officials, highlighting the positive impact of intensive enforcement campaigns conducted during the ongoing Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4).
The government stated that departments worked in close coordination to ensure full compliance with its directives. Joint enforcement drives were carried out across the city, targeting violations of vehicular emissions standards, GRAP norms, and related pollution regulations. According to officials, a large number of vehicle owners voluntarily obtained or renewed their PUC certificates, reflecting growing awareness among citizens about the importance of clean air.
Under GRAP-4, 210 enforcement teams, comprising 126 teams from Delhi Traffic Police and 84 teams from the Delhi Transport Department, were deployed for intensive inspections. Vehicles operating without valid PUC certificates faced strict action: 2,743 challans were issued by Delhi Traffic Police, 316 by the Transport Department, and an additional 687 through the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, bringing the total to 3,746 challans. Enforcement also extended to violations of GRAP norms, with 363 challans issued by Traffic Police and 34 by the Transport Department, totaling 397 GRAP-related challans.
The Delhi Government has implemented several key measures to curb air pollution, including directives for 50 percent of staff to work from home in both government and private offices, strict enforcement of the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule, and a temporary ban on non-BS-VI vehicles entering the city. In recognition of social impacts, the government announced direct financial assistance of ₹10,000 (DBT) to construction workers affected by the temporary halt in construction activities. Schools and public events have also been subjected to necessary restrictions to reduce emissions and limit exposure during severe pollution episodes.
Efforts to control dust pollution are being implemented in parallel. A total of 397 anti-smog guns have been deployed across the city, complemented by 276 water sprinklers to suppress dust from roads and open areas. Mechanical road cleaning initiatives are also underway, with 73 machines sweeping over 2,177.2 kilometres of road, significantly reducing airborne dust levels. As part of innovative measures, a mist spray system has been installed at ITO to neutralise dust particles, with plans to expand the system to other high-pollution areas in Delhi.
Officials stated that these combined interventions—including vehicular enforcement, dust suppression, industrial monitoring, and public awareness—demonstrate a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling Delhi’s air pollution challenges. Chief Minister Gupta emphasised that strict enforcement, citizen cooperation, and ongoing monitoring will continue to ensure effective long-term solutions, protect public health, and improve air quality across the capital.
