NEW DELHI, December 27 — The Delhi government has made two key vehicle restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) permanent in a bid to combat severe air pollution. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the measures, which mandate valid pollution certificates for fuel and ban entry for non-BS6 vehicles from outside the city, as a long-term compliance mechanism.
What Rules Have Been Made Permanent?
The Delhi cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved the move earlier this week. The first rule permanently requires all vehicles to possess a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) to purchase petrol at fuel stations. The second permanently restricts the entry of vehicles from other states that do not comply with Bharat Stage VI (BS6) emission standards into Delhi. These measures were previously activated only under the ‘severe’ air quality stage of GRAP-4.
Why Were These Measures Enacted?
Officials state the policy is a long-term strategy to reduce vehicular emissions, which are a major contributor to the capital’s pollution. The rules will remain in effect regardless of daily air quality index (AQI) levels. Environment Minister Sirsa emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “A vehicle running without a valid PUC certificate is no less than committing a crime against Delhi’s air.”
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What Is the Current Air Quality Situation?
The announcement comes as Delhi’s air quality remains a significant concern. On Saturday, the average AQI was 391, classified as ‘very poor’ for a second consecutive day. This follows a period where the AQI touched ‘severe’ levels earlier in the week before briefly improving.
How Will the Rules Be Enforced?
Fuel stations are now mandated to deny petrol to any vehicle without a valid PUCC. Simultaneously, authorities will permanently enforce checks on entry points to turn away non-BS6 compliant vehicles from outside Delhi. The government has formally notified both measures.
FAQs:
Q: Can I get petrol in Delhi without a PUC certificate?
A: No. The Delhi government has made it mandatory for all vehicles to show a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) to purchase petrol.
Q: Which vehicles from outside Delhi are now banned from entering?
A: All vehicles from outside Delhi are permanently prohibited from entering the city if they do not comply with the most recent Bharat Stage VI (BS6) emission norms.
Q: Do these rules apply only during high pollution days?
A: No, regardless of the daily air quality index level, these two particular GRAP-4 limitations are now permanent and will be enforced.
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