Petrol stations in Delhi have started refusing service to vehicles that do not have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate as authorities step up efforts to curb air pollution. Under the new directive, petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG will only be supplied to vehicles with a valid PUC certificate, with strict enforcement by the authorities.
Vehicles without PUC face double whammy i.e. no petrol or diesel and heavy fines.
Key Points of the PUC Certificate Rule:
- Mandatory: A valid PUC certificate is required to purchase any type of fuel, including petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG.
- Year-round enforcement: The measure has become a permanent and permanent anti-pollution initiative.
- Strict monitoring: Agencies like Transport Department, Food and Supplies Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Traffic Police are responsible for enforcement.
What happens if you drive without a valid PUC certificate?
Driving without a valid PUC certificate in India can lead to several consequences beyond just the basic fine.
- Legal Penalties: Under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, authorities can issue challan on the spot, either by traffic police or through automated systems. Fines can be substantial, especially in cities with high pollution.
While the central law sets a maximum limit for fines, the actual amount you may have to pay for a pollution certificate challan may vary depending on how strictly the rules are enforced in your local area.
Under the most recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, specifically Section 190(2), penalties for PUC violations have been made more severe and consistent in most states.
While the central law sets a maximum limit for fines, the actual amount you may have to pay for a pollution certificate challan may vary depending on how strictly the rules are enforced in your local area.
On 22 April, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed officials to strictly enforce the “no PUC, no fuel” rule in the state capital to curb air pollution.
Although the initiative was launched last December, several vehicles are still plying without a valid pollution control certificate (PUC), she said.
“Tackling air pollution requires firm and effective interventions. This decision is a major step in that direction,” Gupta said.
Delhi AQI today
Delhi woke up to a warm Monday morning with a minimum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, 1.2 degrees above the seasonal normal.
Air quality in Delhi was recorded in the ‘moderate’ category in the morning, with the average air quality index (AQI) settling at 199, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, 51 to 100 as “satisfactory”, 101 to 200 as “moderate”, 201 to 300 as “poor”, 301 to 400 as “very poor” and 401 to 5.
Vehicles without PUC face double whammy i.e. no petrol or diesel and heavy fines.
The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 44 degrees Celsius and strong surface winds are likely to blow in the city.
(With input from agencies)
