Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) was constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, under Section 3 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. Under Section 12(1) of the Act, the Commission is empowered to take measures and issue directions as it deems necessary for protecting and improving air quality in NCR and Adjoining Areas. Under Section 12(2)(xi), the Commission is empowered to issue directions in writing to any person, officer or authority, and such person, officer or authority is bound to comply.

Sub-rule (7) of Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 mandates that every motor vehicle, after expiry of one year from the date of its first registration, shall carry a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The NCR continues to experience adverse air quality conditions, with PM2.5 as the predominant pollutant determining the Air Quality Index (AQI). Vehicular emissions account for approximately 23% of PM2.5 load during winter months and about 18% during summer months in NCR. A substantial number of vehicles have been found plying without valid PUCC, thereby contributing to vehicular pollution. The Government of NCT of Delhi, vide Notification dated 22.04.2026, had mandated that fuel (Petrol/Diesel/CNG/LPG) shall be dispensed to motor vehicles only upon production of a valid PUCC. The Commission, in its revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) schedule dated 21.11.2025, had directed strict vigilance and enforcement of PUC norms. The Commission’s Advisory No. 16 dated 11.11.2024 had advised GNCTD/NCR States to consider adopting Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at fuelling stations. The Government of NCT of Delhi has deployed ANPR-enabled systems at all fuel stations in its jurisdiction. Deliberations have been held with GNCTD/NCR State Governments and other stakeholders regarding implementation of technology-enabled enforcement systems for the vehicular sector.

The Commission, in exercise of powers under Section 12 of the Act, hereby issues the following directions:

22. NOW, THEREFORE, with a view to abate air pollution caused by vehicles plying without valid PUCC in Delhi-NCR, the Commission, in exercise of powers conferred under Section 12 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, hereby directs as follows:

(i) With effect from 01.10.2026, no fuel shall be dispensed at the fuel stations located within the NCR to vehicles not having a valid PUCC, as identified through ANPR system or other technology-enabled systems or otherwise:

Provided that fuelling may be permitted in exceptional situations like medical emergencies, law and order duties, disaster response operations or such other circumstances as may be specified by the GNCTD/NCR State Governments;

(ii) The concerned authorities in NCT of Delhi/NCR States shall ensure installation, integration and operationalization of suitable technology-enabled enforcement systems like ANPR camera system integrated with VAHAN and PUCC database, at all fuel stations within their respective jurisdiction on or before 30.09.2026.

23. The above Directions of the Commission shall not affect the enforcement of the direction issued by GNCTD vide Notification dated 22.04.2026.
24. All entities owning or operating petrol, diesel, CNG or other fuel dispensing stations in NCR shall comply with these Directions in coordination with the concerned authorities of GNCTD/NCR State Governments.
25. GNCTD/NCR State Governments shall widely disseminate these Directions amongst fuel station operators, PUC Centres and the general public.
26. The Transport Department in NCR States and NCT of Delhi shall be the Nodal Department for ensuring strict compliance with these Directions in letter and spirit.
27. Non-compliance of these Directions of the Commission shall attract penal action in terms of Section 14 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.