Delhi Implements Stringent Pollution Control Measures Starting November 1

New Delhi, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : New Delhi is set to introduce significant pollution control measures beginning November 1, 2026, aimed at tackling the rising air pollution levels during the winter months. The city’s Environment Department has finalized preparations for these restrictions, which will be enforced by various agencies, including the transport department and Delhi Traffic Police.

The primary goal of these measures is to curb pollution at its source. Special enforcement teams will be deployed, and monitoring will be conducted through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and an AI-enabled Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC).

A ban will be imposed on vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet the BS-VI emissions standard. This restriction will last from November 1 to January 31, affecting all BS-IV and older vehicles. However, CNG and electric vehicles, as well as ambulances and fire services, will be exempt. Additionally, all dust-generating construction and demolition activities will be prohibited during this period, though essential public infrastructure projects may receive exemptions under specific conditions. Activities such as finishing, plumbing, and electrical work within construction sites must adhere to dust control standards. Furthermore, from December 10 to January 20, a complete ban on construction and demolition activities will be enforced, with certain exceptions.

Parking fees will also see an increase, doubling at authorized parking locations from November 1 to February 28. However, parking managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will remain unaffected.

To reduce traffic congestion, government and private offices will operate with a maximum of 50% physical attendance from November 1 to January 31, while the remaining employees will work from home. Emergency services will be exempt from this rule.

In a bid to ease traffic, the Delhi Municipal Corporation offices will operate from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, while Delhi government offices will function from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

ANPR cameras at entry points and other locations will identify restricted vehicles, which will face automated fines. The Delhi Traffic Police will enforce strict actions, including vehicle seizures. Special teams from the transport department and traffic police will conduct vehicle inspections.

Enforcement teams from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and municipal agencies will inspect construction sites. Any unauthorized construction or demolition will face immediate shutdown notices and potential environmental penalties, with sealing and other legal actions as necessary.

The ICCC will oversee enforcement activities, monitoring data from ANPR cameras and documenting violations and actions taken at construction sites. Special enforcement teams have been instructed to act promptly on reported violations.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has urged all citizens, vehicle owners, construction agencies, institutions, resident welfare associations, and businesses to comply responsibly with the upcoming restrictions. She emphasized that vehicles registered outside Delhi should not enter the city, and all prohibited construction activities must cease immediately. Citizens are encouraged to minimize unnecessary use of private vehicles, prioritize public transport and carpooling, and refrain from open burning of waste or debris. Reports of pollution violations should be communicated to the relevant agencies, and cooperation with enforcement teams is essential.