NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has announced a series of measures to curb pollution during the winter months, including restrictions on construction and demolition work, higher parking charges, staggered office timings and a 50% work-from-home arrangement.The measures will be introduced in phases from November 1, 2026, with some restrictions continuing until February 2027.
Construction and demolition restrictions
The government has ordered a ban on dust-generating demolition activities and outdoor civil construction work from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.A complete ban on construction and demolition activities will be imposed from December 10, 2026, to January 20, 2027.The stricter restriction will cover the peak winter period, when pollution levels in Delhi typically come under greater scrutiny.
Parking charges to double
Existing parking charges at authorised parking sites will be doubled from November 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027, the government said.Parking spaces owned and managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will be exempt from the revised charges.The move is aimed at discouraging the use of private vehicles during the winter months.
Offices to follow staggered timings
Government offices will also adopt revised timings from November 1 to February 28.Offices under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will operate from 8.30 am to 5pm, while offices under the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) will function from 10 am to 6.30pm.The staggered timings are intended to spread out commuting hours during the winter period.
50% staff to work from home
Government and private offices will also be required to reduce their office-based workforce by half.Under the arrangement, 50% of staff will work from home while the remaining 50% will work from offices from November 1 to February 28.The measures are part of the Delhi government’s preparations for winter pollution, with restrictions being tightened during the period when air quality is expected to come under pressure.The government will introduce the measures in phases, beginning with restrictions on dust-generating construction and changes to parking and office arrangements from November 1.
