Key facts
- Delhi doubled parking charges at authorised facilities from November 1 to February 28; Delhi Metro parking lots are exempt.
- Government and private offices must cap physical attendance at 50% from November 1 to January 31, with the rest working from home.
- Vehicles registered outside Delhi meeting BS-IV or older emission standards are barred from November 1 to January 31; CNG and electric vehicles are exempt.
- A full construction and demolition ban applies between December 10 and January 20, barring specified exemptions.
- Enforcement uses automatic number plate recognition cameras and an AI-powered Integrated Command and Control Centre, the Chief Minister's Office said.
Delhi's Winter Action Plan took effect on November 1, bringing stricter pollution controls, stronger enforcement and round-the-clock monitoring, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's office said in a statement. The measures run for different periods between November 1 and February 28.
Parking charges at authorised facilities across the city doubled from November 1 to February 28, though parking lots run by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation are exempt. Government and private offices must limit physical attendance to 50% from November 1 to January 31, with the remaining staff working from home; essential and emergency services are exempt.
Vehicles registered outside Delhi that meet BS-IV or older emission standards are barred from the city between November 1 and January 31. CNG and electric vehicles, ambulances, fire tenders, police vehicles and other notified vehicles may still operate. Violations are detected through automatic number plate recognition cameras at entry points, with e-challans issued and vehicles liable to impounding, according to the Times Now report.
Dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction are banned for three months, with specified essential public infrastructure projects allowed to continue under conditions. Indoor finishing, plumbing and electrical work are permitted if dust-control standards are met. A complete construction and demolition ban applies between December 10 and January 20, barring exemptions.
Office hours were also adjusted: Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will run from 8.30 am to 5 pm and Delhi government offices from 10 am to 6.30 pm. The Transport Department, Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and municipal authorities are implementing the restrictions.
India's environment ministry attributes 23% of Delhi's winter pollution to vehicles, 20% to biomass burning including farm stubble fires, and about 9% to industry including coal-fired power plants. The measures follow earlier steps over the past month, including a ban on garbage burning and restrictions on food stalls using coal or firewood.