Delhi braces for winter pollution

Petrol pumps will deny fuel to vehicles without valid PUC certificates year-round, using digital databases for verification.

The Delhi government has begun preparations for the upcoming ‘pollution season’, announcing a series of measures aimed at reducing emissions, dust and vehicular congestion during the critical winter months. Under the new regulations for the 2026-27 winter season, dust-generating construction and demolition activities will be prohibited across Delhi from November 1 to February 28. The government has also announced a 50% work from-home arrangement for employees of government and private offices during the four month period, while parking charges at authorised parking facilities will be doubled. The government has identified the period between December 10 and January 20 as particularly critical for air pollution and will impose additional restrictions during these weeks. The entry of vehicles from outside Delhi carrying construction materials such as sand, gravel and cement will be prohibited during this period.