Delhi to implement winter pollution curbs from November 1
The measures include a ban on non-Delhi registered vehicles below BS-VI norms and a 50 per cent work-from-home mandate.
The Delhi government will implement several fixed-term measures to curb air pollution starting November 1, according to reports by The Hindu and The Tribune. These restrictions include a ban on dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction, a 50 per cent work-from-home mandate for offices, and restrictions on non-Delhi registered vehicles below BS-VI emission norms.
Under the rules, non-Delhi registered vehicles complying with BS-IV or older standards are barred from entering or operating in the city from November 1 to January 31. Exemptions apply to electric, CNG, emergency, and sovereign duty vehicles, while two-wheelers are also exempt. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the focus will be on checking vehicle entry at borders.
The government will also double parking charges at authorised sites from November 1 to February 28, though parking managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will not see an increase. To reduce congestion, Delhi government offices will work from 10 am to 6:30 pm, while MCD offices will operate from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Enforcement will involve special teams, ANPR cameras, and an AI-enabled Integrated Command and Control Centre. The Delhi High Court recently refused an urgent hearing of a plea challenging the vehicle ban, stating there was no urgency in the matter.