Delhi announces phased winter pollution controls

Delhi has announced a package of advance winter pollution controls, including phased construction restrictions, limits on some vehicles entering the city, tighter checks on pollution certificates, higher parking fees and a 50% cap on office attendance. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa outlined the measures on September 28 after a meeting chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other officials. The announcement does not establish that the measures have been implemented or have reduced pollution. From November 1 through January 31, dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction are to be prohibited, with exceptions for essential work. A broader construction and demolition ban is planned for December 10 through January 20, with essential government, public infrastructure and emergency work among the reported exceptions. Vehicles carrying construction materials are also to face entry restrictions during the ban, subject to exemptions described for essential projects and emergencies.