Delhi pollution crackdown: New rules kick in from December 18, petrol and diesel sales restricted for polluting vehicles

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Amidst the ever-increasing toxic air and worsening pollution crisis in the national capital, the BJP government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has decided to take tough and decisive steps. Delhi's Environment Protection Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has made it clear that there will be no compromise with the health of the people. To break the back of pollution, the government has announced several strict restrictions, which will now have a direct impact on the general public, motorists and construction works. According to Minister Sirsa, the sole purpose of these strict decisions is to clean the air of Delhi and provide a breathable environment to the citizens.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa made a major announcement, stating that starting December 18th, petrol pumps in Delhi will not provide fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). Cameras will be installed at petrol pumps to ensure compliance. Strict legal action will be taken against any petrol pump operator or vehicle owner found violating these rules. The government believes that the "No PUCC, No Fuel" policy will significantly reduce the number of polluting vehicles on the roads and will force people to get their vehicles inspected.

The government has tightened its grip not only on local vehicles but also on vehicles coming from outside Delhi. Private vehicles below BS-VI emission standards registered in other states will no longer be allowed to enter the capital. This ban will especially apply to vehicles that emit excessive smoke. Agencies deployed at Delhi's borders have been instructed to strictly enforce this. Additionally, to prevent dust pollution, the transportation of bricks, sand, cement, and other construction materials has been completely banned. Orders have been issued to impose heavy fines and take legal action against violators.

Politics has also heated up over the issue of pollution. Environment Minister Sirsa targeted the previous Aam Aadmi Party government and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, saying that their government had "inherited the disease of pollution." He sarcastically remarked that those who were causing pollution in Delhi until yesterday are the ones protesting today. The minister also took a dig at Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, saying that they did not wear masks last year, but now they are doing politics wearing masks. However, Minister Sirsa apologized to the people of Delhi and admitted that it is not possible to completely eliminate pollution in just seven to eight months, but the government is making war-like efforts to reduce it.

Outlining the government's measures so far, the minister said the height of the capital's landfill sites has been reduced by approximately 15 meters and nearly 8,000 industries have been brought under stricter standards. Fines totaling ₹9 crore have been imposed on polluting industries so far. 10,000 heaters have been distributed to reduce smoke from wood burning, and the use of DJs in banquet halls has been regulated. Furthermore, 3,427 electric buses have been added to the DTC fleet to boost public transport. Sixty-two pollution hotspots have been identified in the city, of which 13 areas have shown improvement compared to last year. A committee of scientists is continuously studying these trends.

It is noteworthy that on the morning of December 16, 2025, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 380, which falls in the 'very poor' category. With the onset of winter, a blanket of haze and smog has enveloped Delhi, making it difficult for people to breathe. The government believes that vehicle emissions are a major cause of this problem, making it necessary to take strict measures. The Delhi government has appealed to citizens to cooperate with these restrictions, use public transport more often, and follow the rules, as these steps have been taken to protect public health.