New Delhi: Preparations are underway to implement various measures in Delhi—covering construction activities, parking fees, government office timings, and work-from-home protocols—to control pollution during the winter season. The Delhi government and relevant agencies are taking steps at various levels to curb air pollution. Existing pollution control measures include provisions regarding construction and dust control, parking charges, and office operations.
Phased Ban on Construction and Demolition Activities
Under the proposed plan, a ban will be imposed on dust-generating demolition activities and external civil construction work from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. Subsequently, a complete ban on construction and demolition activities is planned for the period between December 10, 2026, and January 20, 2027.
Dust from construction and demolition is considered a major source of pollution in Delhi-NCR, and the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) also includes provisions for phased restrictions on such activities.
System for Increasing Parking Fees
As part of pollution control measures, a provision has been made to double parking fees at authorized parking sites. According to the Delhi Economic Survey, this measure is to be implemented at authorized parking sites whenever Stage III or Stage IV of GRAP is invoked. Parking facilities owned and managed by the DMRC have been exempted from this fee hike.
Changes in Government Office Timings
Staggered timings will be introduced for government offices to reduce traffic congestion during the winter. According to the proposed schedule, offices under the MCD will operate from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, while offices under the GNCTD will function from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Efforts will be made to reduce vehicular congestion during peak hours by staggering office opening and closing times.
Provision for 50% of employees to work from home
A provision requiring 50 percent of employees in government and private offices to work from home may also be implemented if pollution levels become severe. The Delhi government had previously issued directives under GRAP to operate government and private offices at 50 percent capacity, with the remaining staff working from home.
Thus, measures such as banning construction activities, adjusting parking fees, staggering office timings, and implementing work-from-home arrangements are being put in place to control pollution in Delhi during the winter season.
