Delhi Revises Office Timings to Reduce Traffic and Pollution
The Delhi government has announced revised office timings in an effort to control rising air pollution levels in the national capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta revealed that the new timings will be implemented from November 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026, a period when pollution typically spikes due to winter weather conditions and stubble burning in nearby states.
Under the new schedule, Delhi government offices will operate from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, while Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices will function from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. The staggered timings are expected to reduce peak-hour traffic and help cut down vehicle emissions, a major contributor to Delhi’s pollution crisis.
Chief Minister Gupta announced after a review meeting with Environment Department officials. She said the decision aims to reduce congestion on roads and improve air quality by spreading out vehicle movement across different time slots.
Anti-Smog Guns Across the City
In a major pollution-control measure, the Public Works Department (PWD) will hire 200 truck-mounted anti-smog guns for five months, from October 2025 to February 2026. The project will cost ₹58.8 crore. These guns will operate twice a day to reduce dust pollution and will display environmental awareness messages.
Ahead of the November 29 compliance deadline, 91 government and private buildings in Delhi have already installed anti-smog guns. The government has mandated that buildings with G+5 floors and above must install the devices. Officials said a total of 150 buildings are targeted, with 171 identified so far for compliance. The MCD will install 149 guns, NDMC 21, and the Delhi Cantonment Board one. Additionally, the Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTIDC) will set up anti-smog guns at inter-state bus terminals.
Road-Cleaning and Maintenance Drive
The Delhi government has also launched an intensive road-cleaning drive. The PWD has deployed 200 maintenance vans across 1,400 km of roads. These vans will deep clean roads, remove debris, repair potholes, prune trees, and fix damaged signage. Each unit will clean at least 200 metres of road daily and will be supervised by junior or assistant engineers. Weekly reviews are being conducted to ensure accountability.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that strict action will be taken against officials who fail to meet targets. She emphasised that the government is committed to controlling pollution and improving public health.
The Chief Minister’s Office added that the measures will be reviewed in February 2026 and extended if required based on air quality data and public feedback.
