Delhi will impose wide-ranging winter pollution curbs from November 1, including restrictions on older vehicles registered outside the capital, a ban on most outdoor construction activity, doubled parking fees and 50 per cent limits on physical attendance in government and private offices. The measures will remain in force for different periods between November 1 and February 28, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office.
Vehicles registered outside Delhi that comply with BS-IV or older emission standards will be prohibited from operating in the city from November 1 to January 31. CNG and electric vehicles, ambulances, fire tenders, police vehicles and other notified exempt vehicles will be allowed to operate under the restrictions.
The vehicle restrictions will be monitored through automatic number plate recognition cameras installed at Delhi’s entry points and other key locations. Non-compliant vehicles will be identified, e-challans will be generated and the traffic police may take action including impounding vehicles, according to the announcement. Dedicated enforcement teams will also conduct physical inspections.
All dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities will be prohibited from November 1 to January 31, except for specified essential public infrastructure projects that meet prescribed conditions. Indoor finishing, plumbing and electrical work may continue if dust-control standards are followed. A more extensive ban on construction and demolition activities, subject to specified exemptions, will apply from December 10 to January 20.
Construction sites will be inspected by teams from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, municipal bodies and other agencies. Unauthorised activity may attract immediate work-stop notices, environmental compensation penalties, sealing and other legal action. The measures place the responsibility for controlling construction dust across multiple enforcement agencies rather than only on project operators.
Parking fees at authorised parking lots across Delhi will double from November 1 to February 28. Parking facilities owned and managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation are exempt from the increase. The government has also directed offices to reduce physical attendance to 50 per cent between November 1 and January 31, with the remaining employees working from home. Essential and emergency services will be exempted under prescribed norms.
The office schedule is also being staggered to reduce traffic congestion. 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. The Transport Department, Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and municipal authorities will enforce the restrictions.
An AI-enabled Integrated Command and Control Centre will monitor enforcement activities, camera feeds, violations, challans and action taken at construction sites. Special teams have been directed to respond to reports of violations. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has appealed to residents, vehicle owners, construction agencies, institutions, resident welfare associations and commercial establishments to comply with the measures.
The Chief Minister’s Office has also urged residents not to bring restricted vehicles into Delhi, to use public transport and carpool where possible, and not to burn waste, dry leaves or other materials in the open. The restrictions are scheduled to operate through February 28, with individual measures ending on the dates specified in the government announcement.
