Delhi is set to implement a comprehensive set of pollution control measures from November 1 as part of its annual winter strategy. These regulations, which will remain in effect until February 28, aim to significantly reduce vehicular emissions, road congestion, and dust pollution across the capital.
Key Restrictions on Vehicles and Fuel
One of the primary directives targets vehicles registered outside Delhi. From November 1 to January 31, vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will be barred from entering the city. Exemptions apply to CNG and electric vehicles, as well as emergency services like ambulances, fire tenders, and police vehicles. This measure specifically targets older, more polluting vehicles from neighboring regions, not a blanket ban on all older vehicles within Delhi.
A critical new requirement for all motorists is the mandatory possession of a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). Petrol, diesel, and CNG/LPG retail outlets across Delhi will be instructed to dispense fuel only to vehicles presenting a valid PUCC. This rule is year-round, and authorities will use physical certificates, automatic number plate recognition systems, and electronic databases for verification. Non-compliance could result in penalties.
Parking and Workplace Adjustments
To discourage private vehicle usage and ease congestion, parking charges at authorized facilities will double from November 1 to February 28. Parking facilities managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation are excluded from this hike.
Furthermore, government and private offices operating within Delhi will be required to limit physical attendance to 50% between November 1 and January 31, with the remaining workforce operating remotely. Essential and emergency services, including healthcare, public transport, electricity, water supply, and sanitation, are exempt. Office timings will also be staggered, with Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices operating from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Delhi government offices from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, to spread out peak-hour traffic.
Construction and Demolition Controls
Dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities will face prohibitions from November 1 to January 31, with exceptions for essential public infrastructure projects. A more stringent, complete ban on construction and demolition will be enforced from December 10 to January 20, again with specific exemptions for urgent government projects and emergency works.
Vehicles transporting construction materials, such as sand, bricks, cement, and debris, will also be restricted from entering Delhi during the stricter ban period, subject to exemptions for strategic projects and emergency infrastructure. The framework also mandates the use of anti-smog guns or mist systems at eligible large commercial buildings and under-construction sites, while resident welfare associations and housing societies are tasked with preventing open burning in their areas.
These directives will operate in conjunction with the Commission for Air Quality Management’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with GRAP measures taking precedence if invoked due to worsening air quality levels.