The Delhi government on Monday announced a slew of measures to curb air pollution, which typically worsens from November onwards. The measures include higher parking charges, staggered office timings and a 50 per cent reduction in the in-office workforce at government and private offices.
Parking charges to be increased: Starting November 1, parking charges at authorised parking sites will be doubled to discourage the use of private vehicles. The measure will remain in effect until February 28, 2027, except at parking facilities owned and managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), news agency ANI reported.
Staggered office timings: Offices under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will operate from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, while offices under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) will function from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. The revised timings will be in effect from November 1 to February 28.
50% WFH: The government has also directed government and private offices to reduce their in-office workforce by 50 per cent during the period. Half of the staff will work from home, while the remaining 50 per cent will work from the office, from November 1 to February 28.
Ban on construction, demolition activities: The government also announced a complete ban on construction and demolition activities from 10th December, 2026 to 20th Jan, 2027. Dust-generating demolition activity and outdoor civil construction activity will also be banned from Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027.
Delhi CM meeting
{{/usCountry}}Ban on construction, demolition activities: The government also announced a complete ban on construction and demolition activities from 10th December, 2026 to 20th Jan, 2027. Dust-generating demolition activity and outdoor civil construction activity will also be banned from Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027.
Delhi CM meeting
{{/usCountry}}Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta held a meeting at Paryavaran Bhawan on Monday in the presence of Union minister for environment, forest and climate change Bhupender Yadav and Delhi food and supplies minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
“Clean air remains a year-round priority for the Delhi Government. Focused action is being taken across major sources of pollution through strict enforcement, continuous monitoring and coordinated efforts across departments,” CMO Delhi said in a post on X.
“Providing clean air and a healthy environment to the residents of Delhi is our responsibility, and this responsibility is not limited to any one season. The Delhi government is continuously working in a technical and scientific manner, 365 days a year, 24×7, for pollution control,” Sirsa said in a post on X after the meeting.
“The efforts for pollution control will be further strengthened by seriously implementing the important suggestions and directions given by the Hon’ble Union minister ji,” he added.