Delhi implements winter pollution curbs including construction and vehicle bans
The capital will restrict outdoor construction, limit office attendance to 50 per cent, and double parking fees to combat winter pollution.
Delhi will implement several pollution-control measures starting November 1, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office reported by Urban Acres. The restrictions include banning certain non-Delhi registered vehicles, suspending most outdoor construction, doubling parking fees, and capping office attendance at 50 per cent.
Vehicles registered outside the capital that meet BS-IV or older emission standards are prohibited from driving in the city from November 1 to January 31. Exemptions apply to electric and CNG vehicles, police vehicles, fire tenders, and ambulances. Authorities will use automatic number plate recognition cameras and physical inspections to identify violators, who may face e-challans or vehicle impoundment.
Dust-generating outdoor construction and demolition work is banned from November 1 to January 31, except for specific essential infrastructure projects. A stricter ban on these activities will run from December 10 to January 20. While indoor plumbing and electrical work may continue under dust-control standards, unauthorised sites face penalties including sealing and work-stop notices.
To reduce traffic, parking fees at authorised lots will double from November 1 to February 28, though Delhi Metro Rail Corporation facilities are exempt. Government and private offices must also limit physical attendance to 50 per cent until January 31, with the rest of the staff working from home.
Staggered office hours have been introduced to manage congestion. Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will operate from 8.30 am to 5 pm, while Delhi government offices will run from 10 am to 6.30 pm. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has requested residents to comply with these measures.