Taking a series of proactive measures to control seasonal air pollution during winter, the Rekha Gupta government in Delhi has outlined a series of measures. The government on Friday (19th June) notified a Proactive Winter Air Quality Management Framework, which includes mandatory Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) checks for fuel purchases, restrictions on non-BS-VI commercial vehicles from outside Delhi, and higher parking charges during winter.
दिल्ली सरकार ने सर्दियों में प्रदूषण नियंत्रण के लिए जून में ही Proactive Winter Air Quality Management Framework अधिसूचित कर दिया है, ताकि नागरिकों, उद्योगों, संस्थानों, व्यापारिक प्रतिष्ठानों और निर्माण एजेंसियों को नवंबर से पहले पर्याप्त तैयारी का समय मिले और दिल्लीवासियों को…
— CMO Delhi (@CMODelhi) June 19, 2026
This marks a shift in the earlier strategy of previous governments, where they used to adopt corrective measures after the air quality started deteriorating. The framework notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, will operate alongside the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said that under the framework, fuel will be provided at petrol pumps across Delhi only to vehicles possessing a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) under the framework. “In addition, non-BS-VI commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter the city between November 1 and January 31. However, CNG vehicles, electric vehicles, emergency service vehicles and those engaged in government work will be exempt from this restriction,” the CM said.
She added that parking charges at parking facilities will be doubled from November 1 to February 28 to discourage excessive use of private vehicles. The government is also planning to introduce a staggered office-timing system to reduce traffic pressure, streamline commuting and strengthen pollution-control efforts. Under the arrangement, government and private offices will operate with a maximum of 50% physical attendance, while the remaining employees may work from home. Essential and emergency services will be exempt under the arrangement.
CM Gupta said that the government has encouraged project operators, contractors and citizens to plan ahead for their activities so that additional pollution loads are not created during periods of high pollution. Between November 1 and January 31, all construction and demolition activities will be required to comply with prescribed environmental standards and dust-control measures. Some additional restrictions may also subsequently be imposed between December 10 and January 20 as pollution levels are expected to remain particularly high.
The measures will also include stricter dust-control measures at major construction sites and large commercial buildings, and calls for intensified monitoring of open burning. Additional restrictions on construction work will be imposed if necessary between December 10th and January 20th.
It will be mandatory to install anti-smog guns and mist suppression systems at large construction sites and large buildings. The framework states that open burning of garbage or other materials will be strictly monitored, and action will be taken for violations. Drones and field monitoring will be used for this.
However, the Chief Minister said that the air quality cannot be improved with the efforts of the government alone. She said that it requires active participation from citizens, institutions, commercial establishments and industries. This is the reason that the government has notified the framework in advance to make sure that all stakeholders have enough time to prepare.
