Delhi rolled out a fresh set of measures from November 1 to curb winter air pollution, with restrictions targeting older vehicles, construction activity and daily commuting. The rules will remain in force until January 31, 2027, as authorities step up efforts to tackle the seasonal rise in pollution across the national capital.
The measures include a ban on the entry of certain older vehicles, restrictions on dust-generating construction work, work-from-home requirements for offices and higher parking fees. Authorities will use special enforcement teams, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and an AI-enabled Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) to monitor compliance. Violations will invite e-challans.
Here are five key changes
commuters and residents need to know:
1. Non-BS6 Vehicles From Outside Delhi Barred From Entering
Vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will not be allowed to enter the national capital from November 1 to January 31. The restriction is expected to affect older petrol and diesel vehicles travelling from neighbouring areas, including Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. Electric and CNG vehicles, along with emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire tenders, have been exempted from the restriction.
2. Dust-Generating Construction Work Restricted
All dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities will remain prohibited during the three-month period, from November 1 to January 31. Certain essential public infrastructure projects may be allowed to continue, subject to prescribed conditions. Indoor finishing, plumbing and electrical work can proceed if they follow the required dust-control measures.
3. 50% Work From Home For Government, Private Offices
Government and private offices have been directed to ensure that only 50 per cent of their staff attend workplaces physically, with the remaining employees working from home. Essential services have been exempted from the requirement. The measure is aimed at reducing daily commuting and easing traffic-related emissions.
4. Revised Office Timings, Higher Parking Fees
Office timings across civic bodies have been staggered to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours. Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will function from 8.30 am to 5 pm, while Delhi government offices will operate from 10 am to 6.30 pm.
Parking fees at several public parking lots will also be doubled to discourage the use of private vehicles. However, parking facilities owned and managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will remain exempt from the hike.
5. No PUC, No Fuel At Delhi Petrol Pumps
The ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule will also be enforced at petrol pumps across Delhi from November 1. Around 500 petrol pumps have been equipped with ANPR cameras to scan vehicle number plates and check pollution-related details. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will be denied fuel, including petrol, diesel and CNG.
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