In a decisive move to tackle the capital's persistent air quality crisis, the Delhi government has announced that two critical measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-4 will be made permanent. The announcement was made by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday, as the city's air quality slipped back into the 'very poor' category.
Permanent Curbs on Polluting Vehicles
Addressing the media, Minister Sirsa outlined the two key restrictions that are now permanent. The first mandates that fuel stations cannot supply petrol or diesel to any vehicle that does not possess a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). This rule, "No PUCC, No Fuel," will remain in effect until further orders, ensuring regular compliance checks for all vehicles on Delhi's roads.
The second permanent measure targets vehicles entering the national capital from other states. Vehicles from outside Delhi that do not comply with the stringent Bharat Stage VI (BS6) emission norms will face restrictions on entering the city. This step aims to curb the influx of highly polluting vehicles from neighboring regions, a significant contributor to Delhi's pollution load.
Deteriorating Air Quality and Immediate Context
The announcement comes at a critical time. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 390 at 6 pm, firmly placing it in the 'very poor' category. Thick smog and fog have enveloped the city, trapping pollutants, reducing visibility, and disrupting daily life.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already implemented Stage III measures under GRAP, which include curbs on construction activities and certain industrial operations. The permanent rules under GRAP-4 add a new, enduring layer to this regulatory framework.
Minister Sirsa stressed that the government's focus is to prevent Delhi's residents from being repeatedly burdened by severe pollution episodes. The aim is to institutionalize these measures for long-term impact rather than relying solely on emergency responses.
Broader Cabinet Decisions to Fight Pollution
Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, cleared several other key decisions to strengthen the capital's environmental governance. A significant allocation of ₹100 crore was approved for the revival of water bodies under the Delhi government's jurisdiction. Of the nearly 1,000 water bodies in the city, about 160 are managed by the government. Their restoration is expected to play a key role in local microclimate improvement and dust control.
In another landmark decision, the Cabinet approved the establishment of Delhi's first E-Waste Park at Holambi Kalan. The facility, spanning 11.5 acres, will operate on a fully circular, zero-waste model with stringent pollution-control norms. Sirsa claimed this park will be India's first state-of-the-art e-waste processing facility built on zero-pollution principles, featuring advanced systems to fully recycle and reuse water.
These combined actions—from permanent traffic and fuel rules to ecological restoration and modern waste management—represent a multi-pronged strategy by the Delhi government to address the complex and severe challenge of air pollution facing the national capital.
