Delhi winter pollution curbs take effect November 1

Delhi’s fixed winter pollution restrictions took effect November 1, barring non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI emission standards and restricting dust-generating construction, office attendance and parking in the capital. The measures are set to run through January 31, 2027, under a Delhi government notification issued June 23. The notification sets an exception to that schedule for higher parking charges, which are due to remain in place through February 28. The rules are fixed-term measures and do not depend on the city’s air quality reaching a particular level. Government and private offices must limit on-site attendance to 50% of staff, with the remainder working from home. Essential and emergency services are exempt. Delhi government offices are to operate from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., while Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices are scheduled to work from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through February 28. Authorised parking charges are doubled to discourage private vehicle use. Parking facilities owned and managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation are exempt. The notification also says vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate will not receive fuel at petrol...