The Delhi government has unveiled an extensive package of measures aimed at limiting air pollution during the winter months, including mandatory work-from-home arrangements, higher parking charges and tighter restrictions on vehicle entry.
The consolidated Winter Pollution Action Plan will come into effect on November 1 and remain in force until February 28, with several measures introduced earlier to strengthen enforcement.
Half of employees to work from home
Government departments and private-sector establishments will be required to ensure that 50 per cent of their workforce operates remotely during the pollution-control period.
The remaining employees will continue working from offices, while changes to official working hours are intended to spread commuter traffic more evenly throughout the day.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi employees will work from 8:30 am to 5 pm, while other Delhi government offices will operate from 10 am until 6:30 pm.
Parking fees to double across authorised sites
The government is also seeking to make private vehicle use less attractive by doubling parking charges at authorised parking facilities from November 1.
Parking facilities operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will not be affected by the increase.
The measure is part of a wider attempt to reduce congestion and limit emissions from vehicles during the period when Delhi traditionally experiences severe winter pollution.
Older vehicles from outside Delhi face entry restrictions
Additional restrictions will apply to vehicles registered outside Delhi.
From November 1 until January 31, vehicles from other parts of India that do not comply with BS-VI emission standards will not be permitted to enter the capital.
Electric and compressed natural gas vehicles will be excluded from the restriction.
Construction activity to face a winter shutdown
Construction and demolition work will also be subject to progressively stricter controls.
Outdoor civil construction activities will be prohibited between November 1 and January 31. A broader suspension covering all construction activity will then be imposed from December 10 through January 20.
The government says the restrictions are designed to curb dust, which can contribute significantly to deteriorating air quality.
AI technology to monitor construction sites
Construction sites covering more than 500 square metres will come under enhanced surveillance through Dust Portal 2.0, according to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
The system combines artificial-intelligence-enabled cameras with GIS mapping and PM10 and PM2.5 sensors. Authorities will use the technology to identify pollution violations and monitor sites in real time.
The approach is intended to strengthen enforcement rather than relying solely on physical inspections.
Fuel stations to check pollution certificates
Vehicle-emission controls will also be tightened under the plan.
Beginning October 1, petrol stations will be directed to deny petrol, diesel or CNG to vehicles whose Pollution Under Control Certificate, or PUCC, is not valid.
The system will be supported by information from the VAHAN vehicle database and automatic number plate recognition technology, allowing authorities to identify vehicles and monitor compliance.
Essential services exempt from restrictions
Despite the broader restrictions, essential and emergency services will continue to receive exemptions.
The measures form part of Delhi’s wider preparations for the winter pollution season, when stagnant atmospheric conditions can contribute to prolonged periods of poor air quality.
