No PUC, no petrol or CNG from October 1: Delhi-NCR pollution rules tighten

Delhi-NCR vehicles will need a valid PUC to buy petrol or CNG from October 1, as authorities step up pollution checks.CAQM has directed state governments and enforcement agencies to ensure strict and coordinated action against different sources of pollution across the National Capital Region.New Delhi,Sep 30, 2026 19:36 ISTFrom October 1, vehicles in Delhi-NCR will need a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to get petrol or CNG, as authorities step up measures to control air pollution ahead of winter.The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed state governments and enforcement agencies to ensure strict and coordinated action against different sources of pollution across the National Capital Region.The directions were reviewed at the 26th meeting of the CAQM’s Sub-Committee on Cleaning and Enforcement, held on September 29 under the chairmanship of Rajesh Verma.NO PUC, NO PETROL OR CNGThe meeting reviewed preparations to install Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at petrol and CNG stations. Under CAQM Direction No. 101, issued on May 15, 2026, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate will not be allowed to get fuel from October 1. The committee also reviewed compliance with directions for motor vehicle aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce companies to promote cleaner transport options.ACTION AGAINST OLD VEHICLESThe CAQM also reviewed measures to control vehicle pollution. This includes restrictions on the entry of BS-IV and older transport and commercial goods vehicles into Delhi. Authorities were also asked to step up action against old and end-of-life vehicles, including their seizure and scrapping. The progress of plans to phase out diesel auto-rickshaws from NCR districts by December 31, 2026, was also reviewed.FOCUS ON STUBBLE BURNINGThe meeting also reviewed preparations to prevent paddy stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.The CAQM discussed measures such as crop diversification, Direct Seeded Rice, use of crop residue and awareness campaigns among farmers. The commission said its aim is to completely eliminate stubble burning incidents.ROAD DUST AND INDUSTRIAL POLLUTIONAhead of winter, the CAQM stressed the need to buy and deploy more Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines to remove dust from identified hotspots before the season begins.The committee also reviewed pollution control measures for stone-crushing units and compliance with emission standards for industries in Delhi-NCR.It also looked at surprise inspections at construction and demolition sites, industrial units and diesel generator sets, along with the timely handling of pollution-related complaints.The CAQM asked all concerned agencies to ensure strict and timely implementation of its directions, with a focus on vehicle and industrial emissions, stubble burning, road and construction dust and compliance monitoring.- Ends