Delhi’s permanent winter pollution policy includes work-from-home mandate
The Delhi Government has introduced a permanent winter pollution master plan to tackle seasonal smog, which will be effective annually from November 1 to February 28, according to a notification released on July 1. The new policy eliminates the need for separate orders each year by establishing automatic implementation of pollution controls during this period.
The framework targets vehicular emissions, dust pollution, and open burning of waste. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the consolidated plan merges existing orders into one clear system, facilitating compliance and more effective enforcement among departments, institutions, and citizens. She highlighted that Delhi’s air quality significantly worsens in winter, with several years of data showing pollution levels rising consistently between November and February.
Air Quality Index (AQI) readings from 2023 to 2026 indicated average values between 312 and 342 from November 1 to February 15, with maximum AQI levels ranging from 461 to 494. Drawing on this data, the government has formalised special winter pollution control measures into a permanent framework incorporating the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and Supreme Court directions.
To strengthen control over vehicle pollution, only vehicles holding a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will be allowed to refuel at petrol, diesel, CNG, and LPG stations throughout the year. Vehicles refuelling without valid PUC certificates will face action. Verification will extend beyond physical documents to include electronic systems such as the National Population Register and vehicle databases. Oil companies, Indraprastha Gas Limited, the Department of Food and Supplies, the Transport Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and Delhi Traffic Police will oversee implementation.
Between November 1 and January 31, non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi will be banned from entering or operating in the city, excluding CNG and electric vehicles, emergency service vehicles, police, and other categories exempted by the Environment Department. Enforcement responsibilities lie with the Transport Department, MCD, and Delhi Traffic Police.
Parking fees at authorised facilities will be doubled from November 1 to February 28 to encourage public transport use, with an exemption for parking facilities operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). To alleviate peak-hour congestion, MCD offices will operate from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, while Delhi Government offices will function from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM during the winter months.
Chief Minister Gupta announced that from November 1 to January 31, only 50% of employees in Delhi Government and private offices may attend workplaces simultaneously, with the remainder working from home. Essential services staff and administrative officials will continue regular attendance. Private employers are also directed to adopt staggered hours, enforce work-from-home policies, and promote carpooling and public transport.
Exemptions to these restrictions include hospitals, healthcare, fire services, prisons, public transport, electricity, water supply, sanitation, disaster management, environmental protection, pollution control, and other essential services declared by the government.
The government has introduced binding rules on construction activities, recognising dust from such works as a major contributor to winter pollution. Demolition and open civil construction generating dust will be prohibited from November 1 to January 31, except for essential public infrastructure projects. Indoor finishing work will be permitted if Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules and dust control norms are observed. Storing construction and demolition materials openly outside sites will be banned, with penalties for violations.
Stricter controls will be enforced from December 10 to January 20, allowing only indispensable government projects to continue. Vehicles transporting construction materials will not be allowed to enter Delhi during this period.
For the first time, commercial buildings exceeding 3,000 square metres, including malls, hotels, offices, and institutional buildings above ground plus five floors, must install anti-smog guns or mist systems by August 15, which will operate year-round except between May 1 and September 15. Construction sites over 1,000 square metres must also implement dust-control measures. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee, MCD, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Delhi Development Authority will monitor compliance and enforcement.
The policy introduces institutional accountability for open burning of waste, leaves, and biomass. Resident Welfare Associations, housing societies, government and private institutions, contractors, agencies, and all organisations employing staff for security, sanitation, gardening, housekeeping, and maintenance must ensure no open burning occurs within their premises or controlled areas. They must establish monitoring mechanisms and provide adequate heating for workers using clean fuels.
Action will be taken under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and other laws against negligent institutions and individuals responsible for open burning, including recovery of environmental compensation. The Revenue Department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, and local bodies will ensure compliance, utilising drone surveillance especially during night hours.
Chief Minister Gupta emphasised that making Delhi cleaner is a shared responsibility and that this notification provides a clear, permanent framework to control winter pollution. It clarifies the rules and responsibilities of all departments, institutions, agencies, and citizens ahead of each season.
