The Delhi government has formally notified its comprehensive annual anti-pollution measures, set to automatically activate each winter to combat severe air quality. These regulations, enforced under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, will be in effect from November 1 to February 28 every year, with some stricter provisions for specific periods.
Key Measures to Combat Winter Smog
The new framework introduces several significant changes impacting daily life and business operations across the capital.
Work-From-Home and Staggered Timings
- From November 1 to January 31, both Delhi government and private offices must operate with no more than 50% physical attendance, with the remaining staff working remotely.
- Essential services such as hospitals, public transport, and disaster management agencies are exempt from this WFH mandate.
- 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 during the November 1 to February 28 period.
Increased Parking Charges
- Parking charges at all authorized parking facilities across Delhi will be doubled from November 1 to February 28. This aims to discourage the use of private vehicles and reduce congestion.
- Parking facilities operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation are exempted from this increase.
Fuel Sales and Vehicle Restrictions
- Throughout the year, all petrol, diesel, and CNG/LPG retail outlets in Delhi will supply fuel only to vehicles possessing a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). Verification will occur via physical certificates, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, and electronic databases like VAHAN.
- From November 1 to January 31 annually, non-BS VI vehicles registered outside Delhi will be prohibited from entering the capital. Exemptions include CNG and electric vehicles, ambulances, fire tenders, and police vehicles.
Construction and Demolition Controls
- A ban on dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities will be in force from November 1 to January 31, with exceptions for essential public infrastructure projects.
- A more stringent ban on all construction and demolition activities, excluding urgent government and emergency works, will apply from December 10 to January 20. During this stricter period, vehicles transporting construction materials like sand, bricks, and cement will also be barred from entering Delhi, except for projects of national importance or essential infrastructure.
Anti-Smog Systems and Waste Burning
- Commercial high-rise buildings exceeding 3,000 square metres, including malls, hotels, and office complexes of G+5 height and above, are now mandated to install anti-smog guns or mist systems by August 15. These systems must operate year-round, excluding monsoon and peak summer periods.
- Mist systems are also mandatory at construction sites larger than 1,000 square metres.
- Resident welfare associations, housing societies, and contractors are now responsible for preventing the open burning of waste, leaves, biomass, plastic, and other materials within their premises. Authorities will intensify enforcement, including drone-based surveillance at night.
Enforcement and Future Outlook
This notification consolidates previous winter pollution-control orders into a single framework. However, if stricter measures are imposed under the Commission for Air Quality Management's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), those provisions will take precedence. Violations of these regulations will lead to penalties under the Environment (Protection) Act, including prosecution, environmental compensation, and potential sealing or closure of premises.