Delhi has tightened its anti-pollution measures from Thursday after the city’s air quality index fell into the ‘severe’ category this week. The Delhi government announced fresh curbs to cut emissions and reduce public exposure.
These steps come in addition to GRAP-4 restrictions imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The panel activated Stage 4 after Delhi recorded ‘severe’ AQI levels for three straight days since Saturday, December 13.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court criticised CAQM on Wednesday. The court said the measures so far were not enough and asked authorities to frame a broader and more effective plan to deal with air pollution.
Offices must switch to hybrid work mode
Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra said all government and private offices must move to a hybrid work-from-home system starting Thursday. Authorities will take action against those who fail to comply.
Under the order, private offices in the National Capital Territory must ensure that no more than 50 percent of staff are present at the workplace. The remaining employees must work from home.
However, several categories are exempt. These include emergency and frontline workers, daily-wage labourers, and staff in essential services. The rule does not apply to hospitals, departments fighting air pollution, the fire services, public and private health services, transport services, and sanitation services.
Entry ban on certain vehicles during GRAP-4
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said vehicles below BS-VI standards and registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter the city when strict pollution stages are active.
The final order clarified that the restriction applies only when Stage 4 of GRAP is in force. To enforce the rule, teams from the Delhi Traffic Police and the transport department will be stationed at city borders and petrol pumps.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court also lifted protection against coercive action for BS-III and older vehicles in the national capital.
In addition, the environment minister said trucks carrying construction material will not be allowed into Delhi.
“Trucks carrying construction materials into Delhi have also been banned... I appeal to people coming from outside Delhi to bring vehicles that comply with Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission standards,” Sirsa told ANI.
Fuel denied without valid PUC certificate
The Delhi government has also made PUC certificates mandatory. From Thursday, petrol pumps will refuse fuel to vehicles that do not have a valid Pollution Under Control certificate.
A PUC certificate confirms that a vehicle’s emissions meet prescribed norms. Authorities issue it after a basic emission test at authorised PUC centres across Delhi.
The cost is ₹60 for two- and three-wheelers and ₹80 for four-wheelers. Diesel vehicles must pay ₹100. The certificate remains valid for 12 months for vehicles that comply with Bharat Stage IV and Bharat Stage VI standards.
Why the government is acting now
Officials say these measures aim to reduce vehicular pollution and limit exposure during hazardous air quality conditions. With winter weather trapping pollutants and AQI levels staying high, authorities believe strict enforcement is necessary to protect public health.