Delhi's Strict New Anti-Pollution Laws Take Effect Amid a Serious Air Quality Crisis
As Delhi's air quality declines, "No PUCC, No Fuel" regulations and work-from-home mandates are implemented.
Enforcement at checkpoints and gas stations is increasing, and millions of non-BS-VI vehicles from the NCR are subject to restrictions.
Delhi used its Graded Response Action Plan to impose Stage IV (Severe+) limitations in response to critically poor air quality. About 12 lakh cars from nearby areas like Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad are anticipated to be impacted by the authorities' decision to prohibit private automobiles that do not adhere to BS-VI emission regulations from entering the city.
At the same time, a new rule known as "No Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), No Fuel" went into effect. This rule prohibits cars from using gasoline or diesel at gas stations located across the capital if they do not have a valid pollution certificate.
Automatic number-plate recognition cameras and special police checks at gas stations are examples of enforcement.
The government has mandated that 50% of employees in public and private offices work from home in order to alleviate traffic from cars and commuters. This attempts to reduce emissions from daily commuting and ease traffic congestion.
To protect people from dangerous air, schools and institutions are being encouraged to switch to hybrid or online learning.
In order to monitor adherence to vehicle prohibitions and pollution standards, authorities have stepped up enforcement at a number of checkpoints, deploying police officers and enforcement vans.
Widespread interruptions have resulted from the increase in pollutants. Road visibility has decreased as a result of heavy fog, and flights at Delhi's airport have experienced delays and cancellations. As enforcement steps up, commuters who depend on older cars or those registered outside the capital are changing their plans.
Residents are urged to avoid needless travel, take public transportation, and heed health recommendations for outdoor activities. Officials emphasize that these emergency measures will continue in effect as long as the AQI stays in the "severe" zone.
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