No PUC, no fuel; old vehicles off roads, WFH pushed as Delhi tightens rules

NEW DELHI: As toxic air continues to blanket the capital, the Delhi government on Wednesday enforced the toughest curbs under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), cracking down on polluting vehicles, halting construction activity, and mandating work-from-home for 50% of the workforce. The measures came into effect from Thursday and will remain in force as long as GRAP-IV stays active.

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Delhi tightens vehicle, fuel and construction norms under GRAP-IV

The government banned the entry of non-BS VI vehicles registered outside Delhi, clarified that the restriction applies only during GRAP-IV, and warned fuel stations against refuelling vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. From Thursday, petrol pumps will deny fuel to non-compliant vehicles, with a police officer and a transport official stationed at each outlet to ensure enforcement.

Delhi Traffic Police intensified checks at borders and major roads, deploying over 500 personnel, 37 Prakhar vans and 126 checkpoints, including RFID-enabled entry points. Officers will use e-challan systems to verify emission norms and registration details in real time. Authorities said the initial focus will be on awareness, urging motorists to update their PUC certificates promptly. The government also suspended construction and demolition activities and barred trucks carrying construction material from entering the city. To support affected workers, it announced ₹10,000 compensation for registered construction workers whose livelihoods have been disrupted.

50% work-from-home mandated; govt pushes carpooling and traffic reforms

To reduce vehicular emissions, the Delhi government mandated 50% work-from-home in all government and private offices across the National Capital Territory. Essential services—including hospitals, utilities, transport, enforcement and disaster response—remain exempt. However, the directive has raised concerns among offices over monitoring and compliance, particularly in the private and unorganised sectors.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government is targeting pollution from vehicles, industries, dust and solid waste. He announced plans to launch a Delhi-specific carpooling app, use Google Maps data to identify congestion hotspots, and implement an integrated traffic management system to reduce idling time at signals.

Urging public cooperation, Sirsa said the measures aim to restore breathable air, not inconvenience residents. Officials warned that air quality is likely to remain in the severe category until at least December 27, and confirmed that GRAP-IV enforcement will continue until pollution levels show sustained improvement.

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