Air pollution crisis: Delhi bars Non-BS VI vehicles, mandates WFH under GRAP-IV

The ban on the entry of non-Delhi private vehicles below BS-VI emission standards and the enforcement of the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule came into force in the national capital on Thursday, as authorities stepped up measures to combat worsening air pollution.

Under the intensified restrictions, petrol pumps across Delhi have been instructed not to dispense petrol or diesel to vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. The rule is being enforced using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, voice alerts at pumps and active police deployment. Officials said around 580 police personnel have been deployed at 126 checkpoints, including key border points, while enforcement teams of the Transport Department have also been stationed at petrol pumps and entry points to ensure strict compliance.

The vehicle restrictions form part of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV), triggered after air quality in Delhi deteriorated to ‘severe’ levels. As part of the measures, private vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission norms are barred from entering the city. However, exemptions have been provided for vehicles running on CNG or electric power, public transport, and vehicles engaged in essential services or carrying essential commodities. Vehicles transporting construction materials are also prohibited from entering Delhi during the period of GRAP-IV enforcement.

In addition to transport curbs, the question of workplace operations has also been addressed under the emergency pollution measures. To reduce vehicular movement and emissions, authorities have directed both government and private offices in Delhi to shift to a hybrid work model. Under the directive, no more than 50 per cent of staff are permitted to attend offices physically, while the remaining employees are required to work from home. The work-from-home arrangement applies across sectors, with exemptions for emergency services, healthcare, sanitation, law enforcement and other essential services.

The measures are expected to remain in force until air quality shows sustained improvement. Authorities have urged residents to comply with restrictions, avoid unnecessary travel and use public transport wherever possible, warning that violations of GRAP-IV norms will attract penalties.