New Delhi, Oct 23 (IANS) — Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday appealed to residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) to join the government's efforts to curb rising air pollution by keeping polluting vehicles off the roads till the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) is in place in Delhi-NCR.
Speaking to IANS, Sirsa acknowledged the spike in pollution levels ahead of the winter season. "The situation is not good. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently around 250, and GRAP-I restrictions are in place. Despite these restrictions, there has not been any significant improvement so far. The biggest challenge is the deteriorating weather conditions. Fog was visible today as well, and it could begin turning into smog," he said.
"I want to appeal to all Delhi residents to join hands in fighting pollution. Please do not take your polluting vehicles out on the roads. In particular, two-wheelers are going to petrol pumps without valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificates, and arguments are taking place there. Two-wheelers also contribute significantly to pollution. I appeal to their owners to keep polluting vehicles off the roads during the GRAP restrictions. Otherwise, pollution will increase further, leading to health complications," Sirsa said, as reported by IANS and carried by Nation Press.
Source: Nation Press — Delhi AQI hits 250 under GRAP-1: Minister Sirsa urges NCR to park polluting vehicles
'No PUC, No Fuel' and the November 1 entry curbs
Earlier, the Rekha Gupta government had proposed a 'No PUC, No Fuel' policy, under which vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates will not be supplied fuel. From November 1, non-Delhi-registered vehicles that do not comply with BS-VI emission standards will also face entry restrictions, subject to applicable exemptions, IANS reported.
Sirsa also said he has spoken to the Commissioner of the Delhi Traffic Police to take immediate action against heavy vehicles still operating in the national capital amid GRAP-1 restrictions. "No such unwanted vehicles should be allowed to enter Delhi," the minister stated.