Delhi to intensify 'No PUCC, No Fuel' policy, plans fortnightly deep cleaning of roads: Delhi Minister Sirsa
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announces stricter No PUCC No Fuel rules and fortnightly road cleaning to combat pollution.
In a decisive move to combat rising pollution levels, the Delhi government has announced the intensification of its 'No PUCC, No Fuel' policy. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa revealed that the city is also implementing a rigorous fortnightly deep cleaning schedule for roads to eliminate dust and soil accumulation.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The session, attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and PWD Minister Parvesh Verma, focused on action-oriented planning to curb pollution across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Strict Enforcement and Road Cleaning Drives
To tackle the persistent issue of dust, the government is rolling out a massive cleaning operation. Under the new plan, roads will undergo deep cleaning every fortnight to ensure all soil and dust are completely removed. To ensure accountability, specialized teams—consisting of four members per vehicle including representatives from the DPCC and MCD—will carry out these tasks in coordination with the Delhi Police.
Furthermore, the government is looking toward community-driven solutions. A public participation campaign aims to develop 'brown patches' along road edges. These patches are designed to stabilize soil, prevent dust from rising, and eventually promote greenery.
Focus on Pollution Hotspots and Waste Management
The government has identified 62 major pollution hotspots across the capital. Minister Sirsa noted significant progress, stating that pollution levels at 42 of these locations have already been brought under control. The administration is now focusing its efforts on the remaining sites.
To ensure strict compliance, the Minister is visiting the offices of all 11 District Magistrates. The primary focus of these inspections is to monitor activities within a 3-km radius of identified hotspots, specifically targeting:
- Cremation grounds
- Dumping yards
- Construction and demolition waste sites
Boosting Green Mobility and Public Comfort
In an effort to reduce vehicular emissions, the Delhi government is significantly expanding its electric public transport fleet. Currently, 588 electric buses are operational in the capital, and the government plans to add another 150 electric buses to the service soon.
Addressing the challenges of winter, the Minister also discussed the government's commitment to public welfare through the 'Zero Burning' initiative. Following the successful distribution of heaters in previous cycles, the government now plans to establish 'heating spots'. These will be temporary shelters equipped with heating arrangements to provide relief and protection from the cold to citizens.