Delhi’s No PUC No Fuel rule began with thousands of challans and PUCCs issued, but air quality worsened and enforcement was uneven at petrol pumps.
Delhi rolled out the No PUC No Fuel rule with strong claims and big numbers, but the first day showed a different picture on the ground. While authorities challaned thousands of vehicles and issued many Pollution Under Control certificates, the city’s air quality continued to worsen through the day, leaving people confused and frustrated.
On Thursday morning, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index was already very poor at 356. By night, it climbed further to 397, coming close to the severe category. This happened despite a full day of checks, inspections, and announcements linked to the No PUC No Fuel rule across the capital.
Official data showed that over 61,000 Pollution Under Control certificates were issued in just two days. Around 3,746 vehicles were challaned for not carrying a valid certificate. At city borders, teams checked nearly 5,000 vehicles, turned back hundreds, and diverted trucks that did not meet the rules.
However, an NDTV ground check revealed that enforcement was missing at several petrol pumps. At one pump, the rule was clearly displayed, but no officials were present. Staff said officers came briefly in the morning, took photos, and left.
Delhi petrol pump employee clearly explained the situation, saying, “Two DTC officials came in the morning, clicked some photos, and left. After that, we don’t know where they are.” The staff also said they cannot enforce the rule themselves.
The employee added, “We are just informing customers about the rule. We are not the enforcing authority. These are our customers. If we try to enforce it, there will be arguments or fights, and we don’t want that.”
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa accepted that the rule may not be followed everywhere on the first day. He told NDTV, “Even if 80% is implemented, it will be successful.” He said the government is getting regular updates and tracking how the rule is being followed.
The minister urged petrol pump workers to stay calm and polite. He told them, “You are the first interface of this campaign on the ground… politely explain that this rule is for their own health and for the health of our children.”
Talking to commuters, he stressed the bigger message behind the rule and said, “This is not about challans; this is about clean air. Every valid PUCC issued today is a small victory in our war against pollution.”
Authorities also shared details of other pollution control steps like road sweeping, anti-smog guns, waste removal, and shutting illegal dumping spots. Still, there was no visible improvement in air quality through the day.
As Delhi moves deeper into winter pollution, the first day of the No PUC No Fuel rule highlights a familiar issue. Big announcements and numbers on paper, uneven action on the ground, and air that continues to get worse. For many residents, the real impact of this rule is yet to be felt.
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