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Delhi cracks down on polluting vehicles: 3,700 challaned in 24 hours under the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ drive. Thousands of trucks diverted, roads cleaned, and anti-smog measures intensified- will this finally clear the capital’s choking winter smog?
3,700 vehicles challaned on first day of 'No PUC
New Delhi: Delhi authorities launched an intensive crackdown on polluting vehicles under the “No PUC, No Fuel” campaign, issuing 3,700 challans in just 24 hours. The move aims to curb vehicular emissions and improve air quality during the ongoing winter pollution season, with officials warning of continued strict enforcement in the coming days.
On the first day of the drive, around 5,000 vehicles were checked at Delhi’s border points, and 568 non-compliant or non-destined vehicles were turned back.
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Additionally, 217 trucks not destined for the city were diverted via the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways to reduce unnecessary traffic inside the capital. Officials said the measures have led to a visible reduction in the inflow of outside vehicles, highlighting the importance of regional coordination for pollution control.
Alongside vehicle enforcement, the Delhi government implemented extensive dust and waste control initiatives. Mechanical road sweepers cleaned 2,300 km of roads, anti-smog guns were used on 5,524 km, and 132 illegal waste dumping sites were sealed.
These steps are part of a broader strategy under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat severe pollution episodes, targeting road dust, industrial emissions, and waste mismanagement.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai’s officer, Sirsa, conducted surprise inspections at multiple petrol pumps, including locations at the Delhi-Gurugram border and Janpath, to ensure strict compliance with the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule. Pump staff were instructed to remain calm and cooperative while enforcing the regulations, emphasizing that the campaign protects public health, especially children.
Data reveals a sharp increase in enforcement over recent years. The number of challans for vehicles without valid PUC certificates rose from 2.32 lakh in 2023 to 5.98 lakh in 2024 and reached 8.22 lakh in 2025 up to December 15. During the GRAP period this year (October 14–December 15), 1,56,993 challans were issued, each carrying a fine of Rs 10,000.
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Authorities also warned private offices to comply with GRAP-4 guidelines, ensuring at least 50 percent of staff work from home. During the same period, 545 challans were issued for construction and demolition waste violations, attracting fines of Rs 20,000. Enforcement agencies continue strict monitoring of commercial and goods vehicles at Delhi’s borders, turning back thousands of non-compliant trucks to maintain air quality standards.
The campaign underscores Delhi’s resolve to tackle vehicular pollution and protect public health amid worsening winter smog.
