Delhi Implements Winter Air Pollution Measures Starting November 1

Starting November 1, 2026, the Delhi government will implement fixed-time measures aimed at reducing air pollution during the winter months. These measures include a ban on dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities, as well as restrictions on non-Delhi-registered vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards. The government will also require a 50% work-from-home policy for its offices and will double parking charges at authorized sites to discourage private vehicle use.

These restrictions will remain in effect until January 31, 2027, with the increased parking rates lasting until February 28. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa indicated that there may be some leniency in enforcing these rules until Deepavali, stating, "We will try not to inconvenience people as much as possible till Deepavali."

To monitor compliance, special enforcement teams will be deployed, and traffic will be managed through advanced technology, including ANPR cameras and the Integrated Command and Control Centre. Exemptions to the vehicle ban include electric, CNG, emergency, and sovereign duty vehicles, while essential public infrastructure projects will also be allowed to continue construction activities under strict regulations.

The Chief Minister’s Office described these measures as "special restrictions" that extend beyond the usual Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is typically activated based on real-time air quality assessments. Unlike GRAP, these fixed-time restrictions will be enforced regardless of current air quality levels.