New Delhi, December 18, 2025:
The Delhi Government has intensified its fight against air pollution with a robust enforcement drive targeting vehicular emissions, road and construction dust, industrial pollution, and waste management. The flagship ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ campaign, coupled with restrictions on entry of non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI standards, has resulted in over 61,000 Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCCs) being issued between December 17 and 18.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa conducted surprise inspections at multiple petrol pumps, including the Delhi-Gurugram border and Janpath, to assess implementation of the campaign. Speaking to staff and commuters, he emphasised that the initiative aims at protecting public health rather than issuing challans. “Every valid PUCC issued today is a small victory in our war against pollution,” he said, urging commuters to keep their certificates updated and comply with regulations. Staff were instructed to enforce the rules firmly yet politely, with proper signage, announcements, and queue management.
On the first day of intensified enforcement, approximately 5,000 vehicles were checked at border points, of which 568 non-compliant or non-destined vehicles were turned back. During the same period, 3,746 vehicles were challaned across Delhi for not possessing valid PUCCs, while 217 non-destined trucks were diverted via the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
Sirsa highlighted the visible impact of coordinated action with neighbouring states, noting a reduction in non-compliant vehicles at border points. “Our response has to be regional,” he said, acknowledging Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for setting up proactive checkpoints.
The government has simultaneously taken civic action across Delhi’s roads. Around 2,300 km of city roads were mechanically swept, mobile anti-smog guns were deployed over approximately 5,524 km, and 132 illegal dumping sites were closed. Additionally, around 38,019 metric tonnes of legacy waste were processed and disposed of at landfill sites, demonstrating a multi-pronged approach to pollution control.
Speaking on the campaign, Sirsa said, “This is a people’s movement to protect the health of Delhiites. Our teams are working 24×7—checking vehicles, controlling dust, regulating polluting industries, and clearing legacy waste. Permanent improvement in air quality can only come from such coordinated efforts.”
Beyond enforcement, the Delhi Government is exploring innovative technologies to tackle pollution throughout the year. Today, the Environment Minister chaired meetings to review an algae-based air pollution mitigation system for crowded areas and studied advanced GIS tools from BISAG for integrated road development and pollution mitigation. Plans are also underway to develop a carpooling app and upgrade the Green Delhi app with AI-enabled features to strengthen citizen participation in reporting and monitoring pollution.
Sirsa also issued an appeal to offices and institutions, urging compliance with GRAP-IV advisories, particularly ensuring at least 50 per cent staff work from home to reduce traffic and emissions. He warned that non-compliance could invite action from enforcement authorities.
The Delhi Government expects continued momentum in the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ campaign as vehicle owners renew and obtain PUCCs. According to Sirsa, the overwhelming public response reflects citizens’ readiness to support strict measures when it serves the larger public good, marking a crucial step in Delhi’s ongoing battle against air pollution.
