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Delhi continues to battle severe air pollution as toxic smog engulfs the city. Authorities have tightened restrictions, allowing only BS-6 vehicles and enforcing strict PUC norms. Long queues and technical glitches at petrol pumps added to public distress.
PUC Mandatory as Delhi Restricts Entry to BS-6 Vehicles
New Delhi: Delhi is currently shrouded in a thick blanket of toxic smog. With air quality reaching critical levels, people are struggling to breathe. In light of the situation, the Delhi government and administration have intensified their efforts to curb pollution. From today, only BS-6 compliant vehicles are allowed entry into the capital, and action against vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate has been stepped up.
Following the announcement that fuel would not be dispensed without a PUC certificate, long queues formed at petrol pumps from Wednesday morning. People rushed to get their vehicles' pollution checks done to comply with the new rules. However, the testing process was hampered at several petrol pumps due to server issues with the PUC machines. Many people returned disappointed after waiting for hours. Additional police forces had to be deployed at petrol pumps to control the situation.
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Disruption was witnessed in several areas, including Connaught Place, Janpath, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Barakhamba Road, and Dhaula Kuan. While motorists supported the rules, they also expressed anger over the systemic shortcomings. Divyansh, a motorcycle rider, said he had been standing in line since morning, but the server kept crashing. Another driver, Vivek, said that getting a PUC certificate was taking a long time due to the crowds. People said that the rules would only be effective if the necessary facilities were also functioning smoothly.
The Delhi Traffic Police and Transport Department conducted intensive checking drives in several parts of the capital and imposed fines on vehicles without valid PUC certificates. While all vehicles were allowed to refuel on Wednesday, stricter enforcement will begin from Thursday.
The government has announced a financial assistance of Rs 10,000 for registered construction workers affected by the work stoppage under GRAP-3 and GRAP-4 due to pollution. Labour Minister Kapil Mishra clarified that this assistance will only be provided to workers registered with the government.
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The issue of pollution has also fueled a political blame game. The Aam Aadmi Party staged a protest in Connaught Place, with activists dressed as Santa Claus, to attack the BJP government, while the BJP dismissed it as political theatrics.
The rising pollution is also impacting markets in Delhi-NCR. Customers are forced to stay indoors, negatively affecting businesses. Trade organizations have demanded a permanent solution to this serious problem from the central government.
