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Delhi's Pollution Battle: Why the Entire NCR Must Fight Together

Delhi's Environment Minister is taking the fight against air pollution directly to petrol pumps. He's enforcing a strict rule that denies fuel to vehicles without a valid pollution certificate. This comes as Delhi's air quality remains firmly in the 'very poor' category. The push is part of a broader, coordinated effort across the entire National Capital Region to tackle the smog crisis.

Key Points: Delhi Minister Sirsa Inspects Pumps for Pollution Certificate Order

  • Minister Sirsa inspected petrol pumps to enforce the 'no fuel without PUC' order
  • The AQI in Delhi was recorded at 361, in the 'very poor' category
  • Teams conducted vehicle checks as part of intensified anti-pollution measures
  • The Supreme Court allowed action against non-BS IV vehicles in the NCR
  • A new notification bans trucks carrying construction materials into Delhi
2 min read

The entire NCR region together will have to fight this pollution...: Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa inspects petrol pumps, stressing a unified NCR fight against pollution and enforcement of PUC certificate rules.

"The entire NCR region together will have to fight this pollution. - Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa"

New Delhi, December 18

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Thursday inspected various petrol pumps to ensure compliance with the no fuel without Pollution Certificate order.

Speaking to ANI, Sirsa firmly stated that the entire Delhi-NCR region must fight against air pollution. He emphasised that the goal is to lower the Air Quality Index in the capital city and the NCR region, amidst the bad weather conditions for the next seven days.

"I started reviewing petrol pumps from the Delhi-Haryana border. The entire NCR region together will have to fight this pollution. Even the Haryana Traffic Police have set up a check post in their area. The next seven days are expected to see bad weather, but we aim to lower the AQI. This awareness campaign will continue. I have come to know that many private organisations are not following the 50% work from home norm; action will be taken against them..." he said.

The National Capital Delhi overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 361 at around 1 pm today, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Meanwhile, teams from Transport Enforcement conducted checks on vehicles in the National Capital as part of intensified measures to combat rising air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

This comes a day after the Supreme Court allowed the Delhi government to take action against owners of vehicles operating below the BS IV emission standard in the NCR. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied fuel at petrol pumps, while trucks carrying construction materials into Delhi have been banned to curb pollution levels.

The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, through the Department of Environment and Forests, on Wednesday issued directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, mandating that fuel be dispensed only to vehicles with a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.

The notification also restricts entry of vehicles registered outside Delhi and below BS-VI standards, and bans vehicles carrying construction materials during GRAP Stage IV (Severe+) conditions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move, but it's treating the symptom, not the disease. What about the stubble burning in neighbouring states? Delhi-NCR can't fight this alone. We need a coordinated regional plan, not just checking pumps in Delhi. The entire northern plain suffers together.
R
Rohit P
Sirsa sahab is right about private companies ignoring WFH. My office in Gurgaon is running at 100% capacity. Government should name and shame these organisations. We all need to contribute. Carpooling more from tomorrow! 👍
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Noida for work, the air quality is a major health concern. The BS-IV vehicle ban is a start, but public transport needs a massive upgrade. More electric buses, better metro connectivity to last mile. Enforcement is key.
V
Vikram M
The Haryana police setting up check posts is a positive sign of inter-state coordination. Pollution doesn't respect borders. Hope UP and Rajasthan also step up. This 'very poor' AQI is our new normal every winter, and it's heartbreaking. 😔
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the minister's intentions seem good, this feels like a knee-jerk reaction every November-December. Where is the long-term policy? What about promoting green industries, fixing waste management, and creating sustainable urban planning? We need a vision, not just seasonal crackdowns.

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