Delhi Mandates PUC for Fuel from Thursday Amid Worsening Air Quality

• Delhi to deny fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) starting Thursday, December 18.
• The decision by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa aims to curb worsening air quality.
• Air Quality Index (AQI) remained "severe" for three days before improving slightly to "very poor".
• In September, 54,615 challans were issued for driving without a valid PUCC, highlighting widespread non-compliance.
• Minister Sirsa blamed the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for the pollution crisis, claiming his administration is improving AQI.

Why It Matters: Delhi implements strict PUC rule for fuel purchase to combat severe air pollution.