'No PUC, No Fuel' rollout: 3,746 vehicles fined, 568 barred at checkpoints

Delhi's rollout of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule brought heavy congestion at fuel pumps, border checkpoints and pollution testing kiosks on Thursday as authorities tightened enforcement of BS VI norms and valid vehicle emission certificates amid worsening air quality that climbed deeper into the very poor category.

- AIMAN FATIMA

Delhi impacts stringent anti-pollution measures

Long queues formed across petrol pumps as motorists scrambled to obtain pollution under control certificates. The city saw a steep rise in PUC issuance, with a 76 per cent jump recorded on Wednesday, a day before the rule began. By 5.20 pm on Thursday, 31,974 certificates had already been issued. The sudden rush also slowed the PUC server, causing further delays.

Officials reported intensified checks at Delhi borders, where joint teams of the traffic police and the transport department examined 6,174 vehicles on

Thursday and turned back 568 that were either non-compliant or not destined for the Capital. Till 4 pm, Till 4 pm, 289 vehicles were challaned for failing to meet BS VI norms. Since Wednesday, 3,746 vehicles have been penalised for lacking valid PUC certificates.

Fuel pumps, particularly those along border stretches, saw reduced sales. Pump operators said many motorists were choosing to refuel in Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad to avoid checks. Delhi Petrol Dealers’ Association president Nischal Singhania said there was clear anxiety among commuters. “We feel that customers are going to fuel stations in Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad for refuelling their vehicles. Also, a fear psychosis could be at work, and people might be afraid that they could be caught for some other traffic offence,” he said.