Delhi ‘no PUC, no fuel’ drive: Over 3,700 vehicles challaned, 568 turned back within 24 hours

More than 3,700 vehicles were challaned, and nearly 570 vehicles were turned back within 24 hours of the Delhi government launching its ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ drive, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said.Joint teams of the Delhi Traffic Police and the Transport Department checked around 5,000 vehicles at key entry points into the national capital on the first day of enforcement.
Of these, 3,746 vehicles were challaned for not carrying valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), while 568 non-compliant or non-destined vehicles were denied entry at Delhi’s borders.
Officials said 217 non-destined trucks were also diverted through the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways to prevent unnecessary entry into the city.The enforcement coincided with a surge in demand for emission certificates. Official data showed that 61,912 PUCCs were issued between December 17 and 18, with 29,938 certificates issued on Wednesday and 31,974 by Thursday evening.

Sirsa said the figures reflected strict enforcement and increased public compliance. He added that turning back vehicles at border points had reduced the inflow of outside vehicles and said coordination with neighbouring states was important for regional pollution control.

Authorities intensified checks at Delhi’s borders, toll plazas and petrol pumps to verify valid PUCCs and BS-VI compliance. Smartplate-reader devices were deployed at major intersections, while manual checks were conducted where cameras were not available. Vehicles without valid certificates were denied fuel at petrol pumps, leading to queues during document verification.

The Delhi government said the drive was part of a broader strategy to curb emissions during severe air pollution episodes, along with measures targeting road dust, industrial pollution and waste management. Officials said enforcement would continue in the coming days and urged vehicle owners to keep their emission certificates updated to avoid penalties and disruption.