Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Delhi Tightens Pollution Norms, Bans Non-BS VI Cars
The Environment Minister of Delhi, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, said he was sorry for the bad air quality in the city.
He said it's not possible to fix the air quality in just 10 months.
He also said the previous government, AAP, left the pollution problem for the current BJP government to fix.
He claimed that the BJP has done a better job and that the air quality is better now than it was last year, even though it has gotten worse recently.
He promised that the BJP is working hard to solve the pollution problem.
Starting from December 18, vehicles without a valid PUC certificate will not be allowed to refuel at petrol pumps.
The minister also announced that only BS-VI compliant vehicles from outside Delhi will be allowed to enter the city until further orders.
The government has taken several steps to reduce pollution, including reducing garbage mountains, clearing legacy waste, installing pollution-monitoring plants, and providing heaters to biomethanation plants.
The minister also mentioned plans to deploy more electric buses to reduce vehicular pollution.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa apologized for the severe pollution levels in Delhi.
Sirsa blamed the previous AAP government for the pollution problem, stating it was inherited by the BJP.
He claimed that it is impossible for a 10-month government to reduce the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Sirsa asserted that the BJP government has done better work in keeping the AQI in check.
He acknowledged that pollution levels have worsened recently but claimed the situation is better than last year due to sustained efforts by the present government.
- Who
- Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa
- What
- Announced stricter pollution norms and blamed the previous AAP government for pollution issues
- When
- During a press conference on December 16, 2025
- Where
- Delhi
- Why
- To address severe pollution levels and defend the BJP government's efforts
- Minister
- Manjinder Singh Sirsa
- Party
- BJP
- Previous Government
- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
- Time in Office
- 10 months
- Air Quality Index (AQI)
- Improved compared to last year
- Pollution Levels
- Worsened recently but better than last year
- Claim
- BJP government has done better work in reducing AQI
- Apology
- For severe pollution levels in Delhi
- PUC Certificate
- Mandatory for refueling from December 18
- Penalties
- Imposed on 8 lakh vehicles without valid PUC
- BS-VI Vehicles
- Only allowed to enter Delhi until further orders
- Pollution Hotspots
- 62 identified and being addressed
- Electric Buses
- 3,400 currently, 7,500 planned
- Fines Collected
- Rs 9.21 crore
- Garbage Mountains
- Reduced by 15 meters
- Legacy Waste
- 45 acres cleared and reclaimed
- Biomethanation Plants
- 10,000 heaters provided to reduce emissions
- Pollution-Monitoring Plants
- 2,000 installed
Sources
‘I apologise’: Delhi minister Sirsa blames AAP for severe pollution, says ‘we are doing better work’
‘Impossible to Fix AQI in 9–10 Months’: What Delhi Environment Minister Said on Dealing with Pollution
No fuel for vehicles without valid PUC from Thursday: Delhi environment minister
No stubble burning now, why air pollution crisis in Delhi: Mann takes dig at BJP
"No Stubble Burning Now, Why Is Delhi Polluted?" Bhagwant Mann's Dig At BJP
Delhi to deny fuel to vehicles without PUCC from Dec 18 amid pollution spike, says minister Sirsa
From tomorrow, non-BS VI cars from outside can’t enter Delhi
Construction Trucks Out, Fuel Only For Valid PUCC: Sirsa's New Pollution Plan For Delhi
No fuel at pumps in Delhi without valid PUC certificate from December 18
Delhi’s AQI improves mildly but remains in ‘very poor’ category
Low visibility and high pollution trouble Delhi commuters; 10 flights cancelled at IGI Airport
Delhi restricts vehicles, office attendance in bid to curb pollution
