Delhi Tightens Vehicle Entry Rules Amid Rising Air Pollution
As part of intensified measures to curb air pollution, the Delhi government has begun restricting the entry of vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards. From today, only BS-VI–compliant vehicles are permitted to enter the capital, while fuel stations have been instructed to deny service to vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
The decision is expected to affect nearly 12 lakh vehicles that travel daily into Delhi from neighboring cities such as Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Noida. Estimates suggest that over five lakh vehicles from Ghaziabad, more than four lakh from Noida, and around two lakh from Gurugram will now be barred from entering the city.
To enforce the rules, 580 police personnel have been deployed across 126 checkpoints, supported by 37 enforcement vans. Teams from the Transport Department, Municipal Corporation, and Food Department are also stationed at petrol pumps to ensure compliance. Additionally, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras installed at fuel stations will detect vehicles without valid pollution certificates.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the measures on Tuesday, stating that they will remain in effect as long as Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) continues in the capital.
The government cited studies indicating that vehicles contribute nearly 20 per cent of PM10 and over 25 per cent of PM2.5 pollution levels during the winter season. Alongside restrictions, work is underway to ease congestion at 100 identified traffic hotspots and introduce an integrated traffic management system aimed at reducing waiting time and emissions at traffic signals.
Meanwhile, air pollution will also be debated in the Lok Sabha today under Rule 193, following demands from the Congress and other Opposition parties. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly called for parliamentary discussion on the issue. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav is scheduled to respond to the debate at 5 pm.
Delhi’s air quality has remained in the “Severe” to “Very Poor” range since November. On Wednesday afternoon, the city’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 334, showing marginal improvement from Tuesday’s reading of 354.
In response to hazardous conditions, physical classes for primary schools have been suspended, while secondary and senior secondary students may choose between online and in-person learning. Government offices have also been directed to function with only 50 per cent staff present on site.
