Delhi Announces Winter Pollution Curbs for 2026–27

Delhi has announced a set of winter pollution-control measures for the 2026–27 season, with several restrictions scheduled to come into effect from November 1. The framework is designed to address activities linked to air pollution and traffic congestion during the winter months, when Delhi typically experiences a deterioration in air quality.

Under the new framework, dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities will face restrictions from November 1 to January 31. A broader halt on most construction and demolition activities is also scheduled for the period from December 10, 2026, to January 20, 2027, with exemptions for essential public infrastructure and emergency works.

The measures also cover office operations. Government and private offices will maintain 50% physical attendance, with the remaining employees working from home during the specified winter period. Essential services are exempt from the work-from-home arrangement. The government has also introduced staggered timings for different categories of offices to help manage traffic movement.

Another major measure involves parking. Parking charges at authorised parking facilities will be doubled from November 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027. Parking facilities owned and managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation are exempt from this increase.
The winter framework also includes measures related to vehicles and fuel. According to the notified plan, fuel stations will enforce valid Pollution Under Control certificates, while certain non-Delhi registered vehicles below BS-VI standards will face entry restrictions during the winter period.

The Delhi government has described the framework as a pre-planned approach to winter air-quality management, bringing several measures together so that departments, businesses and residents can prepare in advance. The restrictions are intended to operate alongside broader pollution-control measures covering construction dust, vehicles, waste burning and other sources of emissions.