Delhi has replaced its annual winter anti-pollution orders with a permanent framework that applies every year from November 1 to February 28. The government says the new rules consolidate earlier winter measures into a single set of directions issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to address seasonal air pollution while maintaining essential services. The plan includes mandatory Pollution Under Control (PUC) compliance, with fuel supply restricted to vehicles carrying valid PUC certificates. Authorities use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and electronic checks to monitor compliance and penalise violators.
For vehicles, non-BS-VI outstation vehicles are barred from entering Delhi during the winter period (with exemptions for certain categories such as CNG and electric vehicles and emergency vehicles). To reduce congestion, the rules require government and private offices to operate with about half of employees working from office and the rest from home, alongside staggered working hours. Parking charges at authorised facilities are increased during the season. Construction and demolition activities that generate dust are restricted during peak pollution weeks, and larger buildings and construction sites face requirements to install anti-smog or mist systems. The framework also calls for strict prevention of open waste burning, with penalties and other enforcement actions. Measures under GRAP can override specific directions when invoked.
