Delhi Pollution Curbs From 1 November: No PUC No Fuel, Construction Ban

Delhi’s winter pollution rules came into force on Sunday, 1 November: petrol pumps, CNG stations and LPG outlets will not supply fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, dust-generating construction is banned, and parking charges at authorised sites have doubled. The measures come from the winter action plan the Delhi government announced on 28 September, which runs alongside the Commission for Air Quality Management’s Graded Response Action Plan, according to Business Standard and Outlook.

Fuel, Parking and Office Rules

Drivers need a valid PUC certificate to refuel. Vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission norms are barred from entering the capital from 1 November to 31 January 2027, Business Standard reported. CNG and electric vehicles, ambulances and fire services are exempt. Electric vehicles and parking lots run by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation are exempt from the doubled parking charges, which stay in place until 28 February 2027.

Government and private offices must keep 50 per cent of staff working from home, except essential services such as healthcare, power, water and sanitation. MCD offices run from 8:30 am to 5 pm and Delhi government offices from 10 am to 6:30 pm. The two outlets give different end dates for the work-from-home rule, 31 January and 28 February, so check the notice that applies to your office.

Also read Delhi GRAP-I Imposed as AQI Rises to 244; Tandoor Coal Banned

Dust Work Stops, Full Ban From 10 December

Demolition and open civil construction that raises dust are prohibited from 1 November to 31 January, apart from essential public infrastructure. Between 10 December and 20 January, all construction and demolition is banned except urgent government and emergency work, and trucks carrying sand, bricks, cement or debris face entry limits. Large commercial buildings and eligible construction sites must run anti-smog guns or mist systems.

Neither report gives penalty amounts. Amar Ujala reported that challans, vehicle seizures and closure of construction sites are planned for violations, and named coordination among more than 12 departments as the main challenge.

A Plan Notified in July

The Delhi government notified a permanent winter pollution master plan on 1 July, with year-round PUC checks. IPB has earlier explained why stubble burning keeps returning and schools are cutting outdoor sport, and the latest forecasts are in Weather Updates. Residents can follow more local reports in Daily Updates.

The rules are set to run through the winter, with the full construction ban due to begin on 10 December.

Source: Based on reporting by Business Standard, Outlook and Amar Ujala.

Image: PTI.