Delhi Air Pollution Action Plan 2026: BS-VI Goods Vehicle Rule, No PUC, No Fuel

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has introduced the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026, outlining a series of measures aimed at addressing the city's ongoing air quality concerns, NDTV reported. The plan focuses on vehicle emissions, traffic congestion, and pollution control across multiple sectors.

According to the report, one of the key decisions under the plan is a restriction on goods vehicles entering the city. From Nov. 1, only those that meet BS-VI emission standards or run on CNG or electricity will be allowed.

This move is part of what the government describes as a stricter approach towards controlling vehicular pollution. Monitoring will be supported through Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and digital tracking systems.

In addition, the government has introduced a "No PUC, No Fuel" rule. Under this, vehicles without a valid pollution-under-control certificate will not be provided fuel at stations.

The action plan identifies 62 traffic hotspots across Delhi where targeted measures will be implemented to reduce congestion and emissions. Authorities plan to introduce a citywide Intelligent Traffic Management System along with smart parking systems and revised pricing mechanisms to manage vehicle flow.

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During periods of severe pollution, the government may enforce measures such as staggered office timings, work-from-home options, and restrictions on high-emission vehicles.

To reduce reliance on private vehicles, the government plans to expand the bus fleet to 13,760 by 2028-29, with a focus on electric buses. Efforts will also be made to integrate metro and rapid rail systems with feeder buses, electric autos, and shared transport services to improve last-mile connectivity.

The plan includes setting up around 32,000 electric vehicle charging points over the next four years. This will be supported by the upcoming EV Policy 2026, which will focus on two-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

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The action plan covers 11 sectors, including road dust, construction, industrial emissions, waste management, and biomass burning. Measures to control road dust include the use of mechanical sweepers, water sprinkling, and anti-smog guns. These operations will be monitored through GPS tracking and a centralised dashboard.

Nearly 3,500 kilometres of roads are planned to be upgraded with paved surfaces and green buffers to reduce dust pollution.

The government has set timelines to clear three major landfill sites, Okhla by July 2026, Bhalswa by December 2026, and Ghazipur by December 2027.

A complete ban on biomass burning is already in place, with electric heaters being distributed as an alternative. Industrial units have been directed to install online emission monitoring systems, failing which they may face closure.

As part of its environmental measures, the government plans to plant 70 lakh trees, shrubs, and bamboo plants in 2026-27. A longer-term goal has been set to cross one crore plantations.

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Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative is "not just a policy announcement" but "an enforcement-driven campaign powered by resources, technology and strict oversight." She also stated that ensuring clean air is a fundamental right for residents of Delhi.

The action plan outlines a comprehensive approach, combining regulatory measures, infrastructure expansion, and monitoring systems, as the government attempts to address pollution across sectors in the capital.