- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Ghaziabad implements fuel ban for vehicles without PUCC Oct 1.
- ANPR cameras crucial for enforcement, but none installed yet.
- Over 26,000 vehicles in district lack valid PUCC.
The Air Quality Management Commission has ordered a ban on fuel supply to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) from October 1. The district administration is responsible for ensuring compliance with the order. However, preparations for implementing the rule remain largely on paper, with no mechanism currently in place on the ground to prevent vehicles without valid PUCCs from getting fuel.
If the situation remains unchanged, the administration could face difficulties in enforcing the pollution-control measure from the very first day of its implementation.
A total of 26,384 vehicles in the district currently do not have valid pollution control certificates. These include 20,193 two-wheelers and 6,070 cars. In addition, 108 tractors, one ambulance, one goods carrier vehicle and nine buses also lack pollution control certificates.
The district has 135 petrol, diesel and CNG pumps where vehicles can purchase fuel.
ANPR Cameras Yet To Be Installed
Under the new system, petrol, diesel and CNG will not be supplied to vehicles without a valid PUCC from October 1. To identify such vehicles, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are supposed to be installed at all petrol pumps by September.
However, even after September 10, not a single petrol pump in the district had installed an ANPR camera.
Abhishek, general secretary of the District Petrol and Diesel Distributors Association, said the Transport Department installed ANPR cameras at petrol pumps in Delhi. He demanded that the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department install similar cameras at petrol pumps in Ghaziabad.
A letter has also been sent to the Chief Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh government in this regard. However, no response has been received so far, and the ANPR cameras have consequently not been installed.
20 days Left For Implementation
District Supply Officer Amit Tiwari said the No PUCC, No Fuel policy will be implemented in the district from October 1. He said 20 days remain before the policy takes effect, and officials are making the necessary arrangements as directed by senior officials.
What If ANPR Cameras Are Not Installed?
If ANPR cameras are not installed at all petrol pumps before October 1, motorists may have to show a valid PUCC before purchasing fuel. However, this could result in long queues at petrol pumps and make it difficult for operators to manage the rush.
Petrol pump operators have urged the government to install ANPR cameras before the policy comes into effect, saying this would help identify vehicles without valid pollution certificates without creating additional congestion at fuel stations.