The Delhi Government has notified a permanent Winter Pollution Master Plan to curb seasonal air pollution in the National Capital that will remain in force every year from 1st November to 28th February.

 

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has said, the new framework consolidates existing pollution-control measures into a single set of rules, ensuring timely implementation without issuing separate orders every winter. The notification incorporates the revised GRAP guidelines of the Commission for Air Quality Management and directions of the Supreme Court. 

 

Under the new rules, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate will not be supplied fuel at petrol pumps, CNG and LPG stations across Delhi throughout the year. From 1st November to 31st January, entry of non-Delhi registered vehicles below BS-VI emission standards will also be prohibited, with exemptions for CNG and electric vehicles, ambulances, fire services and other essential vehicles.

 

The government has also announced that parking charges at authorised parking facilities will be doubled from 1st November to 28th February, while 50 per cent of employees in government and private offices will work from home from 1st November to 31st January. Office timings will also be staggered to reduce peak-hour traffic congestion.

 

Demolition work and open dust-generating construction activities will remain prohibited from 1st November to 31st January, except for essential public infrastructure projects. Large commercial buildings and major construction sites will be required to install anti-smog guns or mist systems, while strict action will be taken against the open burning of waste, with institutions and Resident Welfare Associations also being held accountable.

 

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said keeping Delhi clean and healthy requires the participation of every citizen and added that the permanent framework will strengthen enforcement and improve preparedness against winter pollution.