The Delhi government has officially notified its ‘Proactive Winter Air Quality Management Framework’ ahead of the seasonal smog window, introducing a series of aggressive urban restrictions. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta explained that the early announcement is intentionally designed to give residents and businesses adequate time to prepare and ensure smoother implementation when pollution levels begin to rise.
Among the primary enforcement measures, commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi that fail to comply with BS-VI emission standards will be barred from entering the capital between November 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027. Essential exemptions are carved out for emergency services, government work, and electric or CNG vehicles. Furthermore, the framework mandates that fuel sales at all local petrol pumps be strictly linked to the possession of a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).
To actively discourage private vehicle usage during peak pollution months, parking charges at authorized facilities across the city will double from November 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027. The sweeping policy also introduces planning guidelines for mitigating construction dust, staggered office timings, and a comprehensive ban on the open burning of biomass and garbage.
