Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Delhi government on Friday announced a series of measures, including doubled parking charges, restrictions on non-BS VI goods vehicles, mandatory pollution certificates for fuel purchases and staggered office timings, as part of its ‘Proactive Winter Air Quality Management Framework’ to tackle seasonal air pollution.
The measures will generally remain in force for four months from November every year.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Delhi’s air quality has remained severely affected between November and February for several years, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently reaching the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories.
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She said the government has adopted a strategy focused on advance preparedness, timely interventions and better coordination instead of relying solely on emergency responses, as the problem recurs every year.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the framework guidelines have been notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The measures will generally remain in force every year from November 1 to February 28 and will operate alongside the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management.
Under the framework, only vehicles possessing a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be allowed to purchase fuel at petrol pumps in Delhi.
The government will also prohibit the entry of non-BS VI commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. However, CNG vehicles, electric vehicles, emergency service vehicles and vehicles engaged in government work will remain exempt from the restriction.
To discourage excessive use of private vehicles and improve air quality during winter, charges at authorised parking facilities will be doubled from November 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.
The framework also includes staggered office timings, a ban on open burning of garbage and biomass, advance planning for dust control and measures to regulate construction activities.
Under the staggered office timing system, government and private offices will function with a maximum of 50 per cent physical attendance, while the remaining employees may work from home. The government said the arrangement aims to reduce traffic pressure, streamline commuting and strengthen pollution-control efforts. Essential and emergency services will be exempt from the provisions.
The framework makes it mandatory for resident welfare associations (RWAs), institutions, establishments, contractors and agencies to take steps to prevent open burning within their respective areas.
The government will strengthen field surveillance and drone-based monitoring to detect and prevent incidents of open burning. Authorities will impose environmental compensation charges and take other penal action under applicable laws against violators.
Gupta said special attention must be paid to discouraging the common winter practice of security personnel and other workers lighting fires for warmth, and alternative heating arrangements should be provided.
The framework also mandates compliance with prescribed environmental standards and dust-control measures for all construction and demolition activities from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.
According to the statement, authorities may impose additional restrictions on construction and demolition activities between December 10, 2026, and January 20, 2027, when pollution levels are expected to remain particularly high.
The movement of vehicles carrying construction material may also be regulated during periods of elevated pollution. Anti-smog guns, mist suppression systems and other dust-control measures will be mandatory at large commercial high-rise buildings and major construction sites.
Gupta said the government has now clearly outlined the measures that may be taken if pollution levels rise between November and February, the arrangements that could be implemented and the expectations from different sectors under the framework.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
