Delhi implements winter pollution curbs from November 1
New measures include construction bans, vehicle restrictions, and mandatory work-from-home for half of office staff until January 31.
The Delhi government has implemented several pollution control measures starting November 1, according to Urban Acres. These fixed-term restrictions, which were notified on June 23, will remain in effect until January 31 regardless of daily air quality levels.
The curbs include a ban on dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction, though essential public infrastructure projects are exempt. Finishing, plumbing, and electrical work can continue if sites follow dust-control requirements and waste management rules.
Non-Delhi-registered vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards are restricted from entering or driving in the capital. Electric, CNG, emergency, and sovereign-duty vehicles are exempt from this rule. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa told The Hindu that enforcement will initially focus on the borders of Delhi.
To reduce congestion, the government is requiring 50 per cent of office staff to work from home, excluding essential and emergency services. Delhi government offices will run from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., while Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will operate between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. until February 28.
Parking fees at authorised sites will double, though spaces managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation are excluded. Enforcement will involve special teams using automatic number-plate recognition cameras and an artificial intelligence-enabled command centre to monitor compliance.