In a major step to combat deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management has unveiled sweeping regulations mandating the exclusive registration of electric 3-wheelers in the National Capital Region while barring fuel stations from serving vehicles without valid pollution certificates.
Under the directive, Delhi will become the first to enforce the electric 3-wheeler rule starting January 1, 2027. The mandate will extend to NCR's high-density districts, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, from January 1, 2028, before covering all remaining NCR districts by January 1, 2029. Only electric 3-wheelers in the L5 category will be permitted for fresh registration under the new framework.
No fuel without valid PUC certificate
Beginning October 1, 2026, petrol pumps across the National Capital Region will be prohibited from dispensing fuel to any vehicle that lacks a valid pollution under control certificate. The enforcement mechanism will rely on automatic number plate recognition systems and other technology-driven tools to identify violators in real time.
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The Commission exercised its authority under Section 12 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, to issue these binding directions. Exemptions will be granted only under exceptional circumstances, including medical emergencies, law enforcement duties, disaster management operations, or scenarios notified by Delhi or NCR state governments.
Authorities have been instructed to expedite the installation and integration of ANPR camera networks and supporting technology infrastructure to ensure seamless compliance monitoring. The directive aims to address pollution caused by poorly maintained vehicles that continue to operate without mandatory emission checks.
Delhi has witnessed alarming air quality levels in recent years, with the Air Quality Index frequently entering the "severe" category, particularly during winter months. The capital recorded its highest-ever AQI of 494 in November 2024, prompting emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan.
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Delhi's AQI improved after rainfall
Just last week, CAQM lifted Stage-I GRAP restrictions following notable improvement in air quality metrics after the AQI improved to “satisfactory” levels due to rainfall.
The dual strategy of promoting electric mobility and enforcing stricter pollution norms signals the government's intensified focus on tackling the region's chronic air quality crisis, which poses serious health risks to millions of residents.
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