Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Delhi Introduces Permanent Winter Pollution Rules With Work From Home
Delhi is making a yearly plan to reduce winter air pollution.
The rules will normally apply from November 1 to February 28.
Drivers will need a valid pollution certificate to buy fuel.
Some older vehicles registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter or operate in the city.
Offices will generally have only half of their workers physically present.
Parking will cost twice as much to encourage fewer private-car trips.
Some construction and demolition work will be limited.
The government will also monitor pollution and can add stronger rules when the air becomes especially bad.
Delhi will enforce a permanent Winter Pollution Master Plan annually from November 1 to February 28.
Fuel stations will serve only vehicles with valid Pollution Under Control certificates.
Non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI standards will be restricted from November 1 to January 31, with listed exemptions.
Government and private offices will generally limit in-person attendance to 50%, while essential services are exempt.
Parking fees will double, and construction, demolition, open burning and other pollution sources will face tighter controls.
- Who
- The Delhi government, offices, vehicle owners, parking operators and construction sites are affected.
- What
- A permanent annual Winter Pollution Master Plan will impose vehicle, workplace, parking, construction and monitoring restrictions.
- When
- The baseline rules generally apply from November 1 to February 28; some vehicle and construction restrictions run until January 31.
- Where
- Delhi.
- Why
- To address worsening winter air quality and provide advance notice before pollution levels deteriorate.
- Plan period
- November 1 to February 28 each year
- Fuel rule
- Fuel will be provided only to vehicles with valid Pollution Under Control certificates.
- Vehicle restriction
- Non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI standards will be prohibited from entering or operating in Delhi from November 1 to January 31.
- Workplace rule
- Government and private offices will generally restrict physical attendance to 50%.
- Parking charge
- Authorised parking facilities will charge double the usual fee; DMRC parking facilities are exempt.
- Construction rule
- Dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction will be restricted from November 1 to January 31, with exceptions for essential public infrastructure.
- Enforcement
- Measures include physical checks, ANPR cameras, digital databases, drone monitoring, penalties and possible anti-smog systems.