The Delhi government will continue its ‘no PUC, no fuel’ policy even after the GRAP IV restrictions are relaxed, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Tuesday as the Capital’s air quality plunged into the ‘severe’ category.
The government ordered last week that vehicles without valid pollution under control (PUC) certificates would not be allowed to refuel at fuel stations as part of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of emergency measures to curb air pollution.
“Vehicle pollution is one of the biggest contributors to air pollution. A vehicle driving without a valid pollution under control certificate is no less than committing a crime against Delhi’s air,” Mr. Sirsa said at a press conference.
The Minister said that 12 PUC certificate-issuing centres were found indulging in irregularities. Notices have been issued to them, and they will be blacklisted. Mr. Sirsa said that closure notices have been issued to 811 industries for violating pollution norms. The Cabinet has also approved amendments to the rule of mandating the installation of anti-smog guns (ASGs) atop high-rise buildings. The Minister said such buildings can now install mist sprays as an alternative, and have been given more time to comply, though no deadline was specified.
