Delhi steps up winter air pollution measures with time-bound measures across key sectors

The Union and Delhi governments have introduced a winter action plan to curb air pollution before smog levels worsen in the coming months. The measures target key sources of pollution, including vehicle emissions, road dust, waste incineration, industrial activity and specific pollution hotspots.

A significant step is the introduction of the “No PUCC, No Fuel” policy from October 1. Vehicles without a valid pollution control certificate could be denied fuel at 500 service stations equipped with the number plate recognition system. From November 1, Delhi also plans to restrict the entry of older, more polluting vehicles registered outside the city.

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The plan sets firm deadlines for road rehabilitation, dust control measures and cleaning up pollution hotspots across the capital. The authorities will also expand monitoring of air quality, strengthen inspections and tighten measures against non-compliant industries.

Quick answers to key questions

•5 QUESTIONS

Delhi’s Winter Action Plan includes measures targeting vehicular emissions, waste incineration, industrial activity and dust control to curb air pollution before smog levels worsen.

The aim of the ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ policy is to ensure that vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate are denied fuel, thereby promoting compliance with emission standards and reducing pollution.

Starting November 1, Delhi plans to restrict entry for older, more polluting vehicles registered outside the city as part of its winter measures to control air pollution.

Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate can face a fine of up to ₹10,000 and will be denied fuel from October 1.

Yes, businesses should brace themselves for tougher enforcement of pollution control measures, including increased checks and potential penalties for non-compliance, as the Delhi government ramps up its winter action plan.

Officials say the focus this year is on stricter enforcement and measurable results rather than broad seasonal advice. Greater involvement of local communities, population groups and other stakeholders is expected to play a key role in monitoring and implementing measures on the ground.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who chaired a high-level meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, directed authorities to convert existing plans into concrete, measurable actions and complete key interventions within set deadlines. This approach includes vehicle emissions, road and construction dust, waste incineration, industrial pollution, public transport and traffic management.

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The winter plan also includes curbs on polluting vehicles, higher parking charges, staggered office timings and 50% mandatory work from home. Of the targeted road reconstruction, 1,193 km has been completed and the remaining 1,872 km is to be completed by November 15. Authorities have also been directed to ensure complete paving of footpaths and resolve complaints within 72 hours.

More enforcement in industries and waste incineration

For waste management, the government plans to set up ward-level monitoring teams and a city-wide zero-burning campaign. The number of material recovery and segregation facilities in Delhi has increased to 98 from 76 last year, according to the Delhi government.

The meeting also focused on industrial emissions with plans to launch an AI-powered command and control centre, increase the number of air quality monitoring stations from 47 to 60 and deploy 334 enforcement teams against non-compliant industries.

This development assumes significance as Delhi’s air quality deteriorates significantly every winter. Data from the past few years shows that pollution levels have been steadily rising between November and February. During 2023–24, 2024–25 and 2025–26, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) between November 1 and February 15 ranged from 312 to 342, while the maximum AQI ranged from 461 to 494.

The average annual concentration of PM2.5 in Delhi has remained around 100 micrograms per cubic meter for the past seven years. The government has set a target of reducing the annual average level of PM2.5 by 15% in 2026.

This is the first time a winter action plan has been created. The Delhi government in July announced a permanent winter pollution master plan that will replace ad-hoc seasonal orders with a pre-defined framework that will automatically come into force from November 1 to February 28 every year.

The government has also identified 37 pollution hotspots for targeted interventions. Until October 10, Jan Bhagidari events will be organized at these locations, with members of the public, residents’ welfare associations, market associations and officials tasked with identifying and monitoring site-specific action points.

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Traffic relief measures will include one-way trials at selected hotspots, while citizens will be encouraged to report encroachments, illegal parking and littering. The Delhi government said 42 hotspots have already been fixed, with another eight targeted by October.

Yadav also called for closer coordination with NCR states’ agriculture departments to address crop residue burning and urged the authorities to finalize NCR-level action plans by October 10. The emphasis on coordinated and time-bound implementation comes amid repeated reviews by the Center and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) of Delhi-NCR’s pollution control measures.

The strategy also seeks greater public involvement, with Residents’ Care Associations (RWAs), traders, industry and elected representatives involved in monitoring and implementation, signaling a shift from broad seasonal recommendations to area-specific enforcement and measurable deadlines.