Delhi unveils 2026 clean air plan with ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule and EV push

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday unveiled the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026 , outlining a wide range of measures to reduce emissions, control dust and strengthen environmental monitoring in the national capital. The plan, announced after a high level review meeting at the Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan, builds on the government’s Green Budget for 2026-27 and aims to turn clean air commitments into measurable outcomes through stricter enforcement and technology driven oversight.

Taking a firm stand on vehicular pollution, the government will strictly enforce the “No PUC (Pollution Under Control), No Fuel” rule , ensuring vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate cannot refuel. Authorities will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and digital monitoring systems to track compliance. Officials also said that from November 1 , entry of goods vehicles into Delhi will be limited to those compliant with Bharat Stage VI norms or powered by CNG or electricity. During severe pollution episodes, the government may also consider staggered office timings, work from home arrangements and additional restrictions on polluting vehicles.

To encourage cleaner mobility, Delhi plans to expand its bus fleet to 13,760 by 2028-29 , with priority given to electric buses, while improving last mile connectivity by integrating metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) networks with feeder buses, e-autos and shared mobility services. As part of the electric mobility push, the city will install 32,000 EV charging points over the next four years under the proposed EV Policy 2026 , which will also focus on two wheelers, commercial vehicles and the transition of government fleets to cleaner fuels.

The plan also addresses traffic congestion through targeted interventions at 62 identified traffic hotspots , supported by an Intelligent Traffic Management System, smart parking solutions and pricing reforms. Recognising road dust as a major contributor to pollution , authorities will deploy mechanical road sweepers, water sprinklers, anti smog guns and mist spray systems, while nearly 3,500 km of roads will be redeveloped with paved surfaces and green buffers.

Construction related pollution will be monitored through an AI enabled Construction and Demolition Portal 2.0 , allowing real time tracking and enforcement. Deadlines have also been set for clearing legacy landfill sites, Okhla by July 2026, Bhalswa by December 2026 and Ghazipur by December 2027 .

However, experts note that several earlier measures, including the odd even vehicle scheme, GRAP restrictions, anti smog guns, mechanised road sweepers and proposed cloud seeding experiments , produced only short term impact due to weak enforcement, rising vehicle numbers, construction dust and stubble burning in neighbouring states , highlighting the need for sustained implementation.

To strengthen oversight, the government will expand the air quality monitoring network and set up a centralised Green War Room and Integrated Command and Control Centre. Ward level “Vayu Rakshak” teams will also be deployed and the 311 citizen platform upgraded to encourage public reporting and participation.

The government has also set a target to plant 70 lakh trees, shrubs and bamboo in 2026–27 , with a long term goal of planting over one crore across the city. Calling clean air a basic right, Gupta said the action plan combines policy, technology and strict enforcement to deliver lasting change.