Lucknow, The ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ system will be enforced in the National Capital Region (NCR) starting October 1. This directive was issued during a high-level review meeting on pollution control and air quality improvement in the NCR, chaired by Chief Secretary SP Goel on Wednesday.

According to a statement from the Uttar Pradesh government, the Chief Secretary stated that the state government aims to reduce air pollution levels in the NCR region by 30 to 35 percent during the year 2026. Goel said that necessary steps are being taken in key areas such as vehicular pollution, industrial emissions, dust, construction and demolition waste, green cover expansion, and stubble management to achieve this objective.

According to the statement, officials informed the Chief Secretary during the meeting that approximately 26.19 lakh ‘end-of-life’ (EOL) vehicles (vehicles older than their prescribed usable lifespan) have been identified in the districts of the NCR, and between January and April 2026, 37,156 vehicles were declared ‘unfit for use’ while 460 vehicles were seized.

According to the statement, the Chief Secretary directed that the ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ system will be implemented from October 1, under which ANPR cameras (cameras with automatic number plate recognition capability) will be installed at 1,041 petrol pumps in the NCR. The Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) is an official document certifying that a vehicle’s emissions are within the environmental standards set by the government. This certificate is mandatory for all types of vehicles (two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, or commercial) in India.

Target to Operate 975 E-Buses and Establish 18 New Air Monitoring Stations in NCR

According to the statement, the Chief Secretary directed during the meeting that an integrated network of various portals, mobile applications, GPS tracking systems, and dashboards be developed for digital monitoring of all major activities in the future, enabling real-time monitoring of road cleaning, road redevelopment, greening, construction waste management, and other pollution control measures. It was stated in the meeting that under the ‘Naya Safar’ scheme in the vehicular sector, old and polluting vehicles are being phased out to promote BS-6, CNG, and electric vehicles.

According to the statement, officials informed the meeting that a target has been set to operate a total of 975 electric buses in Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, and Meerut to make public transport clean and environmentally friendly, while currently, 100 e-buses are operational in these cities. It was stated in the meeting that 18 new continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations are to be established in the NCR-Uttar Pradesh region to strengthen air quality monitoring.

Lucknow

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its blend of Mughal and Nawabi influences. It flourished as the seat of the Nawabs of Awadh in the 18th and 19th centuries, who patronized art, music, and architecture, leaving landmarks like the Bara Imambara and the Rumi Darwaza. Known for its refined “tehzeeb” (etiquette) and cuisine, Lucknow remains a vibrant center of history and tradition.

National Capital Region (NCR)

The National Capital Region (NCR) is a major metropolitan area in India centered around New Delhi, the country’s capital. It was formally established in 1985 to coordinate development across the rapidly growing cities of Delhi and its surrounding states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The region serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of India, with a history deeply tied to Delhi’s legacy as a seat of power for ancient empires, the Mughals, and British colonial rule before independence.

Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, located near the national capital, New Delhi. Originally a small village, it was founded in 1740 by Ghazi-ud-Din, a Mughal official, and later developed as a key railway junction during British rule. Today, it is a major industrial and commercial hub, often considered a part of the National Capital Region.

Noida

Noida, short for the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority, is a planned city in Uttar Pradesh, India, established in 1976 as a modern industrial and residential hub. Designed to ease population pressure on Delhi, it was developed under the leadership of Sanjay Gandhi and has since grown into a major commercial and IT center. Today, Noida is known for its high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and proximity to Delhi, though it faces challenges like rapid urbanization and infrastructure strain.

Greater Noida

Greater Noida is a planned city in Uttar Pradesh, India, established in the 1970s as an extension of Noida to manage urban growth. It was developed by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority and has since become a major hub for education, technology, and industry. The city is also known for hosting the Buddh International Circuit, a Formula One racetrack, and the annual India International Trade Fair.

Meerut

Meerut is a historic city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, best known as the starting point of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, when Indian soldiers revolted against British rule. The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times, mentioned in the epic Mahabharata as part of the Hastinapur kingdom. Today, it is a major industrial and educational hub, famous for its sports goods and scissors manufacturing.