Air pollution crisis deepens in Delhi, and the National Capital Region (NCR) is experiencing an alarming air pollution situation. The recent air quality measurements reveal that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in multiple locations of the city has reached very poor to severe levels, indicating that the residents are being exposed to hazardous air. Schools and public offices have received a notification to be on their guard, and people are being asked to watch out for their health and well-being.

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‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule Enforced

The administration has taken a stern stance on the matter of the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy in order to fight the growing pollution. To cut down on the number of the most polluting vehicles, those without a PUC certificate are not being allowed to refuel their cars that run on petrol or diesel; thus, the vehicles that emit more pollutants will be off the streets.

It is affirmed that the move is a vital one in the reduction of the release of substances causing smog, in particular nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, etc., which make a major contribution to the formation of smog. It is reported that fuel stations all over the capital have been constantly checked by staff from day to day, and only those vehicles that are in compliance with the set regulations are given fuel.

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BS-VI Vehicle Ban Adds Pressure

The PUC rule is accompanied by an emphasis on BS-VI emission standards by the government, which leads to the indirect prohibition of older and more polluting vehicles. With the elimination of the vehicles that do not comply, the environment will be spared further damage caused by transportation.

While the experts acknowledge that emissions from vehicles are only a fraction of the total air pollution problem, they stress that the other causes, such as crop residue burning in the areas neighboring Delhi, pollution from factories, and adverse weather conditions, are making the problem of smog worse.

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Citizens Urged to Take Precautions

Medical professionals and environmental specialists advise people living in Delhi to avoid going out and doing strenuous physical activities during the times when pollution is at its peak, which are generally early mornings and late evenings. Suggestions include wearing N95 masks, utilizing air purifiers at home, and closing windows.

Campaigns geared at making the public aware of the problem have gained momentum in order to alert people about the interrelationship between vehicular pollution, industrial emissions, and air quality during the seasonal cycle. As the air pollution crisis deepens in Delhi, an urgent appeal to both policymakers and citizens to take preventive measures to protect public health and to mitigate pollution levels in Delhi and the NCR has been ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌made.

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