Delhi has rolled out one of its most stringent pollution-control drives yet, combining technology, enforcement, and regulatory action to curb vehicular emissions amid deteriorating air quality. From fuel stations to city borders, the capital has activated a multi-layered system aimed at ensuring that only compliant vehicles operate within its limits.
At the heart of this initiative are two major measures coming into force simultaneously: a ban on the entry of non-Delhi private vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards, and the strict enforcement of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule. Together, these steps mark a decisive escalation in Delhi’s fight against toxic air.
Authorities say the measures are designed not just as punitive actions, but as deterrents that push vehicle owners toward compliance, cleaner fuels, and sustainable transport habits. With winter pollution peaking, enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert across the city.
Fuel Pumps Enforce ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule
Fuel stations across Delhi have stopped dispensing petrol and diesel to vehicles that do not possess a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This rule, long discussed but unevenly implemented in the past, is now being enforced in real time using a blend of automated systems and on-ground policing.
Automatic Number Plate Reader (ANPR) cameras installed at petrol pumps scan vehicle registration numbers as they enter. If the system flags a vehicle as non-compliant or lacking a valid PUC certificate, alerts are triggered to pump operators. In several locations, voice alert systems also inform customers about the reason for denial of fuel.
Police personnel and transport department officials have been deployed at sensitive fuel outlets to provide operational support, manage disputes, and ensure that pump staff are not left alone to enforce the directive.
City Borders Tightened as BS-VI Entry Ban Begins
Simultaneously, Delhi has activated a ban on the entry of non-Delhi private vehicles that fall below BS-VI emission standards. This restriction applies at all major entry points into the capital, including highways, arterial roads, and inter-state border crossings.
Traffic police teams are stopping vehicles for document verification, checking registration details, fuel type, and emission compliance. Vehicles found violating the BS-VI requirement are being turned away, fined, or subjected to further action as per prevailing rules.
Officials confirm that nearly 580 police personnel have been deployed at 126 checkpoints, including border locations, to ensure round-the-clock enforcement. These efforts are supported by transport department squads stationed at critical access points.
Vehicles Exempted From the Entry Ban
While the measures are strict, authorities have clarified that several categories of vehicles are exempted to prevent disruption of essential services and public mobility. These exemptions are intended to balance environmental urgency with practical needs.
- Vehicles running on CNG or electric power
- Public transport vehicles, including buses
- Vehicles carrying essential commodities
- Vehicles providing emergency or essential services
Despite these exemptions, vehicles transporting construction materials are not permitted to enter the city under the prevailing GRAP IV restrictions, reflecting the administration’s focus on curbing dust and particulate emissions.
Technology-Driven Enforcement on the Ground
Authorities are relying heavily on digital tools to ensure consistency and reduce manual discretion. ANPR cameras form the backbone of this system, allowing instant verification of vehicle data against centralized databases.
In addition to cameras, fuel stations are equipped with alert mechanisms that notify both staff and vehicle owners about compliance issues. This technology-led approach aims to minimize arguments, streamline enforcement, and create a clear audit trail.
Officials believe that automation will improve transparency and reduce the scope for selective enforcement, making the system more reliable over time.
Petrol Dealers Flag Operational Challenges
The Delhi Petrol Dealers’ Association (DPDA) has expressed support for the government’s intent to combat air pollution but has also raised serious concerns about the practical challenges faced by fuel retailers.
The association has stated that while extraordinary steps are necessary during severe pollution episodes, petrol pumps are not enforcement agencies and lack statutory authority to deny fuel independently. Staff members, they argue, are often viewed by customers as service providers rather than regulators.
DPDA representatives have warned that denial of fuel could trigger arguments, confrontations, and potential law-and-order issues, especially during peak hours.
Legal and Regulatory Concerns Raised by Dealers
One of the key concerns highlighted by petrol dealers relates to existing legal frameworks. The association has pointed out that refusal to sell essential commodities is covered under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and related fuel supply regulations.
According to dealers, unless refusal of fuel sale under pollution-control directives is explicitly decriminalised or clarified by competent authorities, petrol pump operators remain exposed to legal and regulatory risks.
The association has urged the government to ensure that penal action is not taken against fuel retailers who are cooperating in the implementation of the order.
Concerns Over Emission Testing Infrastructure
Another major issue raised is the condition of the current emission-checking ecosystem. Dealers argue that the PUC certification system is outdated and in need of technological upgrades to match the scale and accuracy required for such strict enforcement.
They have also highlighted the lack of a real-time dashboard or live data feed connected to the ANPR cameras at fuel outlets. Without this visibility, pump operators find it difficult to independently verify alerts or resolve discrepancies.
Past trial runs of similar systems reportedly resulted in inaccurate or “junk” data being transmitted, creating confusion and operational delays at petrol stations.
Broader Pollution Strategy and Regional Coordination
Dealers and industry stakeholders have also emphasized that Delhi’s air quality crisis is not solely generated within city limits. Transboundary pollution from surrounding regions plays a significant role, especially during winter months.
They argue that measures limited to the National Capital Territory may deliver limited results unless similar enforcement is uniformly applied across the entire National Capital Region. Without regional coordination, restrictions within Delhi could disproportionately burden local residents and businesses.
Authorities, however, maintain that the current steps are necessary emergency responses and form part of a larger, evolving pollution-control framework.
What Vehicle Owners Need to Know
For vehicle owners, the message is clear: compliance is no longer optional. Valid PUC certificates, BS-VI standards, and adherence to fuel and entry regulations are being actively monitored and enforced.
Drivers entering Delhi or refuelling within the city are advised to check their documentation in advance to avoid inconvenience, penalties, or denial of services. Officials have indicated that enforcement will remain strict as long as pollution levels stay in the severe category.
As Delhi grapples with hazardous air quality, these measures underline a shift toward tougher, technology-backed governance, signaling that environmental compliance is set to become a central aspect of urban mobility in the capital.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
