Expired PUC? No Fuel In Delhi From April 1

Starting April 1, vehicles in Delhi without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates will be denied fuel at petrol pumps, as part of the government’s intensified efforts to combat air pollution in the capital.

Under the new policy, every fuel station in Delhi will be equipped with devices connected to a central database that automatically verifies a vehicle’s PUC status using its registration number. If the system flags a vehicle as non-compliant, the station will refuse service. Currently, Delhi has around 500 fuel stations, and the rollout of this technology is expected to cover all of them.

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The PUC certificate serves as proof that a vehicle adheres to emission norms, with car owners required to renew it annually after an emissions check at a designated government-authorised testing centre. Some fuel stations already house these testing cabins, offering added convenience to motorists.

The policy also intensifies enforcement against older vehicles, a known contributor to Delhi’s air quality crisis. Vehicles older than 15 years will be barred from refuelling altogether. This move aligns with existing regulations that prohibit diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old from operating on Delhi roads. Violators face strict consequences, with non-compliant vehicles subject to impoundment and scrapping under a 2021 order.

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Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasised that the initial crackdown will focus on heavy vehicles entering the city. Specialized teams will ensure the new measures are implemented effectively.

For consumers, the policy serves as a wake-up call to ensure their vehicle documentation is up to date. Non-compliance could leave drivers stranded at fuel stations, unable to refuel. Motorists are urged to check their PUC status and get their vehicles tested well before the April 1 deadline to avoid inconvenience.

While the new system promises to improve air quality, it presents challenges. Long queues at PUC centres and concerns over potential technical glitches in the verification system could pose hurdles to the policy’s smooth implementation. Additionally, the economic burden on lower-income drivers who rely on older vehicles remains a concern.

As Delhi grapples with severe pollution levels, this move underscores the city’s resolve to enforce emission norms strictly. Whether the policy succeeds in reducing pollution or adds another layer of bureaucracy for vehicle owners remains to be seen.