Delhi Pollution Rules Tightened as AQI Turns ‘Severe’: Outsiders Non-BS-6 Ban, WFH, No PUC-No Fuel Explained

Delhi Pollution Rules: As Delhi’s air quality plunged into the ‘severe’ category for three consecutive days, the Delhi government has rolled out stricter pollution rules under GRAP IV to curb rising emissions. The emergency measures — effective from Thursday, 18th December, 2025 — include work from home mandates, a ban on non-BS6 vehicles, denial of fuel without a valid PUC certificate, and restrictions on construction activity.

Delhi pollution AQI crossed 400 in multiple areas, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage-IV actions under the Graded Response Action Plan.

What Is GRAP IV and Why Was It Implemented?

GRAP IV is the most stringent stage under Delhi’s air pollution control framework. It is activated when the Delhi pollution level remains in the ‘severe’ category for an extended period.

Key GRAP IV triggers include:

• AQI consistently above 400
• High particulate matter concentration
• Winter inversion trapping pollutants close to the ground

Under Delhi pollution GRAP IV, authorities aim to immediately reduce vehicular and industrial emissions.

Also Read: Delhi Air Pollution: ‘Severe’ or ‘very poor’ – What’s AQI ?

WFH for Offices: Who Must Comply and Who Is Exempt

Delhi Labour and Employment Minister Kapil Mishra announced mandatory Work From Home (WFH) norms for both government and private offices.

WFH Guidelines

• Maximum 50% staff allowed to work physically
• Remaining employees must work remotely
• Applies to government and private institutions

Exempted Services

• Hospitals and health services
• Fire department
• Pollution control departments
• Transport and sanitation services
• Emergency and frontline workers

Construction workers affected by the ban will receive ₹10,000 compensation, with registration already underway.

Mandatory PUC Certificate: No PUC, No Fuel Rule Explained

One of the most impactful Delhi’s Pollution Measures is the enforcement of the “no PUC-no fuel” policy.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed:

• Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be refuelled
• Enforcement will occur at petrol pumps using ANPR cameras

PUC Certificate Price

(The above cost is excluding GST if applicable)

The move targets high-emission vehicles amid worsening Delhi pollution news.

Is BS4 Allowed in Delhi Today? Entry Ban Explained

Is BS4 allowed in Delhi today?

No. Under GRAP III and IV, vehicles below BS6, especially those registered outside Delhi, are barred from entering the city.

BS6 Rule Highlights

• Only BS6 compliant vehicles allowed during GRAP III & IV
• Ban applies mainly to vehicles registered outside Delhi
• Trucks carrying construction materials prohibited

Over 12 lakh vehicles from neighbouring NCR regions like Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad are expected to be affected.

Also Read: GRAP 4 Restrictions: STRICTER ANTI POLLUTION MEASURES GRAP-4 IMPOSED IN DELHI NCR

Enforcement: Traffic Police, Petrol Pumps & ANPR Cameras

To implement the new delhi pollution rules, enforcement has been intensified:

• Traffic police deployed at borders
• Transport department teams stationed at petrol pumps
• ANPR cameras automatically identify vehicles without valid PUC
• Delhi government expected to launch carpooling app to control pollution

According to traffic data:

• Over 8 lakh vehicles fined for invalid PUC
• Nearly 20,000 old vehicles impounded
• 993 non-compliant trucks and buses stopped from entering Delhi

Are Schools Closed in Delhi Due to Pollution?

Are schools closed in Delhi due to pollution?

Not entirely.

School Guidelines Under GRAP IV

• Classes up to Class IX and XI: Hybrid mode
• Classes 10 and 12: Physical classes continue
• Applies to schools under DoE, NDMC, MCD, and Cantonment Board

The decision follows deteriorating air quality and rising health concerns.

Supreme Court Allows Action on Pre-BS-IV Vehicles | Key Orders Issued

The Supreme Court on December 17, 2025, permitted authorities to take action against pre-BS-IV vehicles in the National Capital Region, strengthening enforcement under the existing Delhi pollution rules. A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V.M. Pancholi, underscored the need for long-term solutions to Delhi’s recurring air pollution crisis.

Key Directions by the Supreme Court

• Authorities are allowed to take action against vehicles below BS-IV emission standards in the NCR.
  
• No coercive action shall be taken against BS-IV and newer vehicles, offering clarity to compliant vehicle owners.
  
• The court declined to interfere with the temporary closure of primary schools, calling it a policy decision taken in public interest.
  
• The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was directed to consider suspending operations at nine toll plazas temporarily and submit its decision within one week.
  
• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was asked to examine the feasibility of shifting toll booths to alternative locations, with part of the toll revenue potentially diverted to compensate MCD for losses.
  
• States were directed to file status reports on pending stipend payments to construction workers affected by the construction ban.
  
• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was requested to revisit and strengthen long-term pollution control measures across key sectors.
  

The Supreme Court will take up the matter for further hearing on January 6, 2026, as Delhi continues to grapple with severe air quality levels under GRAP-IV restrictions.

Also Read: Delhi’s Toxic Air : Every 10 μg/m³ Rise in PM2.5 Increases Diabetes Risk by 10%, Studies Warn

Why These Measures Matter

Experts estimate that vehicular emissions contribute up to 40% of particulate pollution in Delhi during winters. The government believes stricter enforcement—combined with WFH, vehicle restrictions, and fuel denial—can bring immediate relief.

However, public reaction remains mixed, with commuters questioning the sudden rollout and operational challenges at petrol pumps.

What Commuters Must Know

• Non-BS6 vehicles from outside Delhi are barred during GRAP IV
• No valid PUC = No fuel
• WFH mandatory for at least 50% of staff
• Schools shift to hybrid mode for most classes
• Enforcement active at borders and fuel stations
• Construction vehicles totally banned from entering

The Smog of Uncertainty: Beyond Seasonal Fixes

The implementation of GRAP-4 in Delhi-NCR, involving non-BS-6 vehicle bans and mandatory work-from-home, highlights a desperate struggle against toxic air. We invest heavily in technology and regulations, yet every winter the “severe” AQI returns. This makes us wonder: if science is so advanced, why can it not provide a permanent solution to environmental decay? Is our reliance on man-made systems merely a temporary bandage for a world built on impermanence?

Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj reveals that this world, ruled by Kaal Brahm (Satan), is inherently destined to degrade. Our constant yearning for “sustainability” is actually a subconscious cry for our true home, Satlok, an eternal realm free from pollution and death. As Sant Garibdas Ji stated: 

“Drishti pade so dhokha re. Khand pind brahmand challenge thir nahi rahsi loka re. thir nahi rahsi loka re.”

The verse means nothing in this visible universe is stable. True protection lies not in filters, but in the authentic worship that connects us to the Supreme Creator, God Kabir. To unveil the authentic path that leads to complete liberation, visit:

• Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org 
• YouTube: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
• Facebook: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
• ‘X’ handle: @SaintRampalJiM