Delhi announces proactive winter pollution curbs: vehicle bans, work from home, construction halt

In a significant shift from reactive measures, the Delhi government has notified a set of mandatory restrictions to combat air pollution during winter months, effective from November 1 to February 28 each year. The new rules, notified on June 23 and made public recently, include curbs on vehicles, construction activities, and mandates for work from home and staggered office timings.

Previously, pollution control relied on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which imposed restrictions based on real-time air quality index (AQI) levels. Critics often termed GRAP as reactive since measures were implemented only after air quality deteriorated. The new framework aims to reduce disruptions through advance planning, covering workplaces, educational institutions, and transport.

Data from the past three winter seasons (2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26) shows Delhi's median AQI ranged between 312 and 342 ('very poor'), with peak AQI touching 461 to 494 ('severe+'). The notification states that the new measures are based on this analysis, targeting the period from November 1 to February 15 when air quality consistently worsens.

Key restrictions include: from November 1 to January 31, motor vehicles registered outside Delhi and below BS-VI emission standards will be banned from plying in the national capital. Exemptions apply to CNG and electric vehicles, emergency services, and other categories specified by the environment department. The notification directs the Transport Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and Delhi Traffic Police to ensure strict compliance.

Throughout the year, all petrol, diesel, CNG, and LPG retail outlets in Delhi will supply fuel only upon production of a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). To discourage private vehicle use, parking charges at authorised sites will be doubled from November 1 to February 28, except for parking facilities owned by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

Staggered office timings and work from home are introduced to reduce traffic congestion. From November 1 to February 28, MCD offices will function from 8:30 am to 5 pm, while Delhi government offices will operate from 10 am to 6:30 pm. From November 1 to January 31, Delhi government and private offices must limit physical staff attendance to 50%, with the remainder working from home. Essential services such as hospitals, public transport, power, water supply, sanitation, disaster management, and pollution control agencies are exempted.

Private entities are directed to implement staggered working hours, ensure work-from-home compliance, minimize vehicular movement through car-pooling, ride-sharing, and promoting public transport. Additionally, from November 1 to January 31, there is a ban on dust-generating demolition and open civil construction activities, except for essential public infrastructure projects. A complete ban on construction and demolition activities applies, barring urgent government projects and emergencies.