Delhi Pollution: Delhi Government's Major Announcement: No Petrol Without Pollution Certificate, BS-6 Non-Compliant Vehicles Banned

The Delhi government has implemented stringent measures to tackle the persistent problem of rising pollution and toxic smog in the capital. Environmental Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that starting Thursday, December 18, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied petrol. This move is aimed at curbing vehicular emissions, a major contributor to Delhi's deteriorating air quality.

Mandatory Pollution Certificate for Fuel

The government has made it clear that a valid PUCC will be mandatory for refueling vehicles. This decision will be enforced at petrol pumps, where checks will be conducted to ensure compliance. The measure is expected to Notably impact the number of polluting vehicles on Delhi's roads, as those without proper certification often emit higher levels of pollutants. The strict enforcement is a direct response to the alarming levels of air pollution that have plagued the city.

Ban on Non-BS-6 Vehicles from Outside Delhi

In a further step to control pollution originating from outside the capital, the Delhi government has prohibited the entry of any vehicle that doesn't meet BS-6 emission standards. Effective December 18, any vehicle, including private ones, found to be below BS-6 standards and entering Delhi from outside, will be sealed, while this regulation targets older, more polluting vehicles from neighboring states that contribute to Delhi's air quality issues, aiming to create a cleaner air zone within the city limits.

Action Against Trucks Carrying Construction Material

To address dust pollution, which is a significant component of air pollution, the Delhi government has also announced strict action against trucks carrying construction material. Any truck found transporting construction material within Delhi will be sealed. This measure is designed to curb the spread of dust and particulate matter generated by construction activities, while the government plans to work with cameras to check pollution certificates of vehicles, ensuring effective monitoring and enforcement of these new regulations across the city.

Environmental Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that Delhi's pollution levels are currently at a 'fair stage,' a condition that has persisted for the last 10 years. He noted that the current AQI is 363, an improvement from 380 last year, indicating a slight reduction in pollution. The Minister highlighted the government's continuous efforts to control pollution, including significant progress in reducing garbage mountains. He mentioned that the height of these waste sites has been reduced by 15 meters,. And 45 acres out of 202 acres have been cleared, demonstrating tangible results in waste management.

Industrial Compliance and Other Initiatives

Sirsa further elaborated on the government's initiatives, stating that non-compliant. Industrial areas within Delhi have been brought under the regulatory framework. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued over 2,000 notices, amounting to more than 9 crore rupees, to industrial units for non-compliance. To reduce biogas emissions, 10,000 heaters have been distributed, and action has been taken against 3,200 diesel generators. These measures have contributed to a reduction in Delhi's average AQI, with a 20-point decrease in AQI observed in November compared to the previous year. The government has also introduced 3,427 electric vehicle (EV) buses out of a target of 5,300 and has formed a team of scientists, whose first meeting was held on December 12, to further strategize on pollution control.

Criticism of Opposition and AAP Protest

Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa criticized opposition parties, referring to them as 'fugitives from Delhi' who are now protesting, claiming that pollution is a 'disease' they themselves caused. He specifically pointed out that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi had done nothing until last year. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also staged a protest against the rising pollution in Delhi, with party workers marching on the streets near the secretariat. Saurabh Bhardwaj, an AAP leader, stated that they were there to 'wake up' the Delhi government by banging plates. The government has reiterated its stance that non-BS-6 vehicles from other states won't be allowed entry into Delhi and will be sealed if found violating the rule.