BS-IV vehicles barred, WFH: Delhi’s pollution rules

Delhi implemented a series of measures to tackle winter air pollution on November 1. Older vehicles, registered outside the city and meeting BS-IV or older emission standards, were barred from the capital until January 31. CNG and electric vehicles, emergency vehicles, and construction with dust-generating activities were exempt from the ban.

Outdoor construction and demolition were also prohibited from November 1 to January 31, with exceptions for crucial infrastructure projects. This ban would be extended from December 10 to January 20.

Government and private offices in Delhi were mandated to adhere to a 50% physical attendance policy until January 31, with essential and emergency services exempt from the rule. Parking fees at authorized lots doubled until February 28, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices operated from 8:30 am to 5 pm, while Delhi government offices functioned from 10 am to 6:30 pm to alleviate traffic congestion.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) extended its orders beyond Delhi, applying the 50% office attendance requirement to Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar from November 5 to 20. Additionally, the agency restricted dust-generating outdoor construction and demolition across the National Capital Region (NCR) during the same period, with exemptions for critical projects.

Schools in the region were instructed to adopt a winter action plan, which included dust-control measures, anti-firecracker campaigns, improved classroom ventilation, promotion of public transport, and the expansion of green spaces. Authorities planned to deploy enforcement teams, ANPR cameras, and an AI-enabled control center to monitor adherence to the restrictions.