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Restrictions on Air Pollution Introduced in Delhi from November 1st: Ban on External Vehicles, Partial Shift to Remote Work, and Doubling of Parking Fees
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Aaj Tak
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Restrictions on Air Pollution Introduced in Delhi from November 1st: Ban on External Vehicles, Partial Shift to Remote Work, and Doubling of Parking Fees

A series of strict measures will come into effect in Delhi starting November 1st to combat winter air pollution. These restrictions are valid from November 1st to February 28th and include a ban on entry for older vehicles registered outside Delhi, a suspension of most external construction work, doubling of parking costs, and a requirement for government and private offices to operate under a partial remote work schedule.

Vehicles registered outside Delhi that meet BS-IV emission standards or older will not be allowed to travel in the city from November 1st to January 31st. Exceptions to this rule include CNG and electric vehicles, as well as ambulances, fire services, and police vehicles, and other approved modes of transport.

Construction work related to dust generation and external civil projects will be suspended from November 1st to January 31st. However, certain public projects may be granted exceptions if established conditions are met. Internal finishing, plumbing, and electrical work is permitted provided it complies with dust prevention standards. A complete ban on construction and demolition will be enforced from December 10th to January 20th, except for works that have received special permits.

From November 1st until February 28th, the cost of parking in authorized locations across Delhi will be doubled, although parking at the Delhi Metro is exempt from this increase. In government and private offices, only 50 percent of employees must be in the office from November 1st to January 31st, with the rest working from home. Emergency and essential services retain the right to exemption according to established rules.

Operating hours for institutions will be adjusted: MCD will function from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Delhi government offices from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, to reduce traffic load. Responsibility for implementing these rules rests with several departments, including the Transport Department, Delhi Traffic Police, DPCC, and local authorities.

The control system will be ensured by ANPR cameras installed at borders and other key points that record violators. Vehicles violating the rules will be issued electronic fines, and the traffic police may take action to confiscate vehicles. Special teams will conduct on-site inspections. Upon discovering illegal activity at construction sites, directives for immediate cessation of work will be issued, fines for environmental damage will be imposed, and, if necessary, measures to close the site will be taken. An Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) with artificial intelligence functionality will monitor video feeds, fines, and actions taken, while special teams will respond promptly to complaints.

Minister Rekha Gupta appealed to residents, vehicle owners, construction companies, and entrepreneurs to comply with the new regulations. She recommended not bringing prohibited vehicles into the city, halting external construction, using public transport and carpooling, and avoiding open burning of garbage or dry leaves. Citizens are encouraged to report violations to the relevant authorities.

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Delhi air becomes toxic before Diwali: Air Quality Index worsens for the fourth day
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Delhi air becomes toxic before Diwali: Air Quality Index worsens for the fourth day

The air in Delhi has once again become toxic shortly before the celebration of Diwali. In the capital, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has been in the poor to very poor range for the fourth consecutive day. In the morning, dense smog and haze were observed in many areas. The deterioration of the situation is linked to weather changes, low wind speed, emissions from transport, and instances of stubble burning in Punjab.

The level of pollution in Delhi began to rise before winter; in areas such as Akshardham, a thick veil of smog was visible in the morning. The AQI in Delhi reached about 230–250, and at some monitoring stations, the air quality reached the 'very poor' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, an AQI from 201 to 300 is classified as 'poor,' and from 301 to 400 as 'very poor.' This means that even in the 'poor' category, the air can be harmful to health, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with heart or respiratory diseases.

According to meteorological department forecasts, current weather conditions and wind speed may hinder the dispersion of pollutants, so the possibility of a quick improvement depends on the weather conditions.

A significant factor contributing to the rise in pollution in Delhi is vehicle exhaust fumes. A large number of private cars, diesel buses, and other commercial vehicles operate in the capital. Furthermore, the air quality is worsened by dust from construction work, road dust, and the practice of burning waste.

To control pollution, it is necessary not only to reduce the number of vehicles but also to effectively implement measures such as checking Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), preventing dust on construction sites, and banning open waste burning.

Winds blowing from the northwest also affect the air quality in Delhi. The increase in stubble burning after rice harvesting in Punjab and Haryana can aggravate the pollution problem. To stop stubble burning, state governments must provide farmers with access to machinery and alternative methods to eliminate the need to burn crop residues in the fields.

However, the entire responsibility for Delhi's pollution cannot be placed solely on stubble; numerous factors influence the air quality, including transport, construction activities, road dust, and weather conditions.

To combat pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has established phased measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). On October 21, 2026, an order was issued to implement the first phase of GRAP measures due to the worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR. The first phase of GRAP is activated when the AQI reaches the 'poor' level (from 201 to 300). Measures taken under this phase include mechanical cleaning of roads, water sprinkling, dust control at construction sites, and a ban on open waste burning. Municipal bodies and relevant agencies are obligated to monitor the implementation of these measures to curb dust and local pollution sources.

In September 2026, CAQM approved a revised GRAP program that includes certain measures related to controlling polluting vehicles in the first phase. These include entry restrictions into NCR and neighboring states for buses meeting BS-IV standards and older.

Particles generated from road dust and construction work play an important role in increasing pollution. According to GRAP, mechanical road cleaning, water sprinkling, and dust prevention measures at construction sites must be carried out. Part of these measures also includes a ban on open waste burning and regular waste collection.

The effect of these rules will only be noticeable with regular inspection of construction sites and action against violators. Coordination between Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and other NCR states is required to reduce transport emissions, control construction dust, regularly clean streets, and decrease stubble burning incidents.

If wind speed remains low and effective control over pollution sources is not implemented, the situation may worsen in the coming days. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor how strictly governments enforce the directives issued under GRAP and how long the residents of Delhi can breathe clean air.

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