Following Tuesday's announcement, Delhi enforced the entry ban on non-BS-VI private vehicles from outside the city and 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule on December 18, 2025. AQI soared to 356-358 in 'very poor' category amid dense fog slashing visibility to 100m, disrupting flights and trains, though winds may aid dispersion later.
Building on Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa's announcement, Delhi activated Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV measures on December 18. Non-Delhi private vehicles below BS-VI standards are now barred at borders, while fuel stations enforce 'No PUC, No Fuel' via automatic number plate recognition, voice alerts, and police support.
Implementation involves 580 police at 126 checkpoints including borders, plus transport teams at pumps. Exemptions cover CNG/electric vehicles, public transport, essential services/commodities. Construction material transport remains banned.
Air quality worsened to AQI 356 ('very poor'), with some stations near 'severe', compounded by fog disrupting Indira Gandhi International Airport—Air India and SpiceJet warned of delays/cancellations. India Meteorological Department predicts northwesterly winds at 10-15 km/h to potentially clear fog. Delhi government extended work-from-home policies to curb pollution and traffic.