In a first-of-its-kind move aimed at avoiding last-minute disruptions during Delhi’s annual pollution crisis, the Delhi Government on Friday notified a comprehensive Winter Air Quality Management Framework, laying out potential restrictions and pollution control measures nearly five months before the onset of winter.
The framework, announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, seeks to shift Delhi’s approach from emergency responses to advance preparedness by informing citizens, industries, commercial establishments, construction agencies and government departments well in advance about measures that could come into effect between November and February.
“People often learn about restrictions only after pollution levels worsen and GRAP measures are imposed. This creates inconvenience and leaves little time for preparation. We want citizens and institutions to know in advance what may be required of them,” Gupta said.
Among the key measures proposed under the framework is a requirement that petrol pumps supply fuel only to vehicles carrying a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The government has also announced that non-BS-VI commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will not be permitted to enter the city between November 1 and January 31, except for CNG vehicles, electric vehicles, emergency service vehicles and those engaged in government work.
To discourage the use of private vehicles during the peak pollution season, parking charges at authorised parking facilities will be doubled from November 1 to February 28. The government also plans to implement staggered office timings and a work-from-home system, under which government and private offices may operate with a maximum of 50 per cent physical attendance. Essential and emergency services will remain exempt.
The framework places significant emphasis on controlling dust pollution from construction activities, a major contributor to poor air quality during winter. All construction and demolition projects will be required to follow strict dust-control measures from November 1 to January 31, while additional restrictions may be imposed between December 10 and January 20 when pollution levels are typically at their highest.
Large construction sites and commercial high-rise buildings will be required to deploy anti-smog guns, mist suppression systems and other dust-control technologies. Authorities may also regulate the movement of vehicles transporting construction material during periods of elevated pollution.
The government has further announced stricter enforcement against the open burning of waste, leaves and other materials. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), institutions, contractors and agencies will be held responsible for preventing such activities in their areas. The framework specifically highlights the need to discourage the common practice of workers and security guards lighting fires for warmth during winter and calls for alternative heating arrangements.
To strengthen enforcement, field surveillance and drone-based monitoring will be intensified, with violators facing environmental compensation charges and other legal penalties.
Officials said the framework has been notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and will function alongside the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Unlike GRAP, which is activated after pollution levels worsen, the new framework focuses on readiness and preventive action.
The chief minister said improving Delhi’s air quality requires collective participation and that the advance notification is intended to give all stakeholders sufficient time to plan and contribute to pollution-control efforts before winter sets in.
