Context:
- The Delhi government implemented the ‘No Pollution Under Control (PUC), No Fuel’ directive to curb vehicular emissions.
- On the first day of enforcement, more than 3,000 challans were issued across fuel stations in Delhi, indicating large-scale non-compliance.
- The drive is part of Delhi’s broader strategy to tackle severe air pollution, especially during winter months.
Key Highlights:
Government Initiative / Policy Details:
- Vehicles without valid PUC certificates were denied fuel at petrol pumps.
- Enforcement relied on manual checks and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems installed at fuel stations.
- The Delhi Police and Transport Department jointly enforced the rule under existing Motor Vehicles Act provisions.
Data and Developments:
- Over 3,000 challans issued on Day 1.
- Long queues reported at several fuel stations.
- Several ANPR systems malfunctioned, leading to operational issues.
- Pump owners sought extension of implementation across the NCR, citing inter-state vehicle movement.
Stakeholders Involved:
- Delhi Government (Environment, Transport Departments)
- Delhi Police
- Petrol pump owners and employees
- Vehicle owners (private and commercial)
- Residents affected by air pollution
Significance / Concerns:
- Highlights poor PUC compliance despite long-standing legal requirements.
- Raises concerns over technological readiness, manpower burden, and harassment risks.
- Shows government’s intent to move from advisory to strict enforcement on pollution control.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Vehicular emissions as a major contributor to PM2.5 and NOx pollution in Delhi.
- Causes:
- High vehicle density
- Poor emission compliance
- Weak enforcement of PUC norms
- Government Initiatives:
- PUC certification system under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
- Promotion of EVs and BS-VI fuel standards
- Benefits:
- Encourages regular emission testing
- Discourages highly polluting vehicles
- Challenges:
- Faulty ANPR systems
- Coordination issues across NCR
- Public inconvenience and enforcement capacity
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Provisions:
- PUC certificate mandatory under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Linked with India’s commitments on air quality improvement and National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
- Keywords & Concepts:
- Vehicular emissions, PM2.5, air quality governance, compliance-based regulation, urban pollution
- Analysis:
- The drive marks a shift towards behavioural enforcement rather than voluntary compliance.
- However, lack of technological robustness and regional coordination limits effectiveness.
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen and standardize ANPR systems.
- Expand enforcement uniformly across NCR states.
- Integrate PUC data with VAHAN database.
- Combine punitive action with public awareness campaigns and cleaner mobility incentives.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS Paper II: Governance, public policy implementation, cooperative federalism (NCR coordination).
- GS Paper III: Environment, air pollution, sustainable urban development.