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Delhi Notifies Annual Winter Pollution Plan

The plan is meant to prevent recurring winter smog by automatically imposing vehicle checks, workplace attendance limits, construction controls, technology-led enforcement each winter.

Overview

  • The Delhi government formally notified the plan on July 1, 2026, and it will run every year from November 1 to February 28 unless changed by the government.
  • Fuel stations in the city must supply petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG only to vehicles with a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate verified by physical checks, ANPR cameras or electronic vehicle databases.
  • From November 1 to January 31, non-BS‑VI vehicles registered outside Delhi will be barred from entering the city with narrow exemptions for CNG, electric and emergency vehicles.
  • To cut trips and roadside emissions the plan mandates 50% office attendance with work-from-home for the rest, doubles parking fees at authorised lots, bans most dust‑generating construction in peak weeks and requires anti-smog or mist systems at large sites by August 15.
  • Enforcement will use ANPR, vehicle databases and drones and can lead to fines, environmental compensation, sealing or prosecution; the move shifts Delhi from reactive emergency curbs to a standing, preventive framework that responds to repeated winter AQI spikes.