Delhi implements winter pollution curbs and heavy security for political rallies
New vehicular restrictions and construction bans coincide with large-scale security deployment for political events in the capital.
Delhi has activated several pollution control measures and increased security presence due to political rallies, according to reports from ANI and Times Now. Under the winter plan, petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside the capital that do not meet BS-VI emission standards are prohibited from entering the city from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.
The restrictions include a 100 per cent hike in parking fees at authorised facilities until February 28, though Delhi Metro-managed lots are exempt. Government and private offices are required to limit physical attendance to 50 per cent between November 1 and January 31, with the remaining staff working from home. Additionally, dust-generating outdoor construction and demolition activities are banned for three months, with a total ban in place from December 10 to January 20.
Exemptions apply to CNG and electric vehicles, emergency services, and essential public infrastructure projects. Enforcement is being supported by the Transport Department, Delhi Traffic Police, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee using AI-enabled command centres and ANPR cameras.
Simultaneously, nearly 10,000 personnel from the Delhi Police, CRPF, and Rapid Action Force have been deployed to manage political events. Security is high around the INDIA bloc 'Chalo Delhi' rally at Ramlila Maidan and a BJP counter-march in West Delhi. Authorities are using drones and facial recognition to monitor crowds, while Section 163 of the BNSS has been imposed in sensitive areas.