Delhi's Battle Against Air Pollution: Permanent Restrictions on Non-BS6 Vehicles and PUC Certificates

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In a bid to tackle severe air pollution, the Delhi government has announced two permanent restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-4. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will no longer be able to refuel, and non-Bharat Stage VI (BS6) vehicles will be barred from entering the capital. The move comes as Delhi's air quality remains in the 'severe' category, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 391 on Sunday. The restrictions are aimed at reducing vehicular emissions, which are a major contributor to the capital's air pollution levels. The PUCC requirement will ensure that vehicles undergo a simple emission check at authorized centers before refuelling. Meanwhile, non-BS6 vehicles from outside Delhi will face restrictions on entering the city. BS6 refers to the latest Bharat Stage emission standards, which set legal limits on air pollutants released by vehicles. The restrictions have already led to a sharp rise in the number of PUCCs issued, with over 61,000 certificates issued in just two days. However, transporters have raised concerns about the enforcement of the rules, citing confusion among petrol pump staff and customers. The Delhi government's decision is aimed at making the city's air cleaner and healthier for its residents. As the battle against air pollution continues, it remains to be seen how effectively these restrictions will be enforced and whether they will bring about the desired results.