In response to the severe pollution levels and a health emergency-like situation in the national capital, the Delhi government has announced stringent restrictions on vehicular movement and construction activities.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that the new measures are taken with the public's health as the top priority. The restrictions will come into effect from the morning of Thursday, December 18, and will remain in place until further notice.

Vehicle Entry Restrictions

To curb vehicular emissions, the government has imposed a ban on the entry of older vehicles registered in other states.

Banned Vehicles: Entry of all BS-2, BS-3, and BS-4 vehicles registered in other states is prohibited. This applies to private cars, taxis, school buses and all commercial vehicles.

Permitted Vehicles: Only BS-6 petrol and diesel vehicles registered in other states will be allowed entry. Additionally, all Electric and CNG vehicles, regardless of their state of registration, are permitted to enter.

Impact On Vehicles Within Delhi

Existing Vehicles: Authorities will conduct checks on out-of-state vehicles already operating within Delhi. Any vehicle found not meeting BS-6 standards will be impounded.

Interstate Buses: Operations may be significantly affected as the majority of interstate buses currently fall under the BS-4 diesel category.

Mandatory PUCC For Fuel

- Effective December 18, a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) is mandatory for purchasing fuel.

- No petrol or diesel will be sold to vehicles without a valid PUCC.

- Vehicles will be verified at petrol pumps using the ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system.

Out-of-State PUCC: Certificates issued by other states are valid across the country. If the PUCC is valid and unexpired, fuel will be provided.

Ban On Construction Material Transport

A complete ban has been imposed on the transportation of construction materials.

This applies to materials being brought into Delhi from outside as well as transport within the city.

Vehicles carrying such materials will be stopped and impounded at the Delhi border.

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Measures In NCR Cities

Neighboring regions in the National Capital Region (NCR) have also initiated specific measures:

Noida: Mechanical sweeping ordered for roads 30 meters wide; survey and repair of footpaths to be completed within three days. An appeal has been issued to companies, including IT firms, to implement work-from-home arrangements.

Ghaziabad: Orders issued for the repair of broken roads and planting of grass on road medians. Mechanical sweepers and water sprinklers will be utilised.

Gurugram And Faridabad: Hybrid classes will continue for students up to the fifth standard.

Official Statement Commenting on the directives, Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, "While these decisions are strict, prioritising people's health amidst rising pollution is essential."

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