The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Delhi government have agreed on a detailed action plan to reduce air pollution during the winter months, when smog typically worsens in the national capital. The plan, reviewed by Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav and Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, sets specific targets and deadlines for measures ranging from vehicle emission checks to waste management and construction dust control.
Key facts
- 37 identified pollution hotspots in Delhi to have public participation events by October 10
- 42 hotspots already improved; eight more targeted by October
- 500 fuel stations to enforce ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ rule (Pollution Under Control Certificate)
- Delhi’s bus fleet: 6,840 buses, including 5,088 electric buses
- Last-mile connectivity available at all 228 Metro stations
- 1,193 km of roads already redeveloped; remaining roads targeted for completion by November 15
- 71 lakh trees planted; 433 of 434 identified brown areas greened
- 98 Material Recovery and Segregation Modules (MRSMs) now operational, up from 76
- Construction and demolition activity banned from December 10 to January 20
- Restriction on non-BS-VI vehicles (except CNG and EV) entering Delhi from November 1, 2026
- Industrial monitoring stations to increase from 47 to 60
- 334 enforcement teams deployed for industrial pollution control
Vehicle emission enforcement
The government will implement a ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ campaign at all 500 fuel stations equipped with automatic number plate recognition technology. This means vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control Certificates will not be able to refuel. The campaign aims to ensure that older vehicles meet emission standards. Additionally, from November 1, 2026, vehicles registered outside Delhi and below BS-VI emission standards will be barred from entering the city, with exemptions only for CNG and electric vehicles.
Public transport and congestion
To reduce vehicle emissions, the plan prioritises public transport. A city-wide campaign during October 1-10 will encourage citizens to download the Delhi Metro Sarthi App for improved last-mile connectivity. The city’s bus fleet has expanded significantly, with 5,088 electric buses now in operation out of 6,840 total buses. For traffic hotspots, the government will test one-way traffic systems and traffic decongestion measures. Seven signal-free road stretches are targeted for completion by October 2026.
Dust and waste management
Road redevelopment to minimise dust will be accelerated, with 1,193 km completed and the remaining stretch targeted by November 15. Footpaths will be fully paved to reduce dust. A ban on construction and demolition activities will be enforced from December 10 to January 20, with a broader ban on dust-generating activities from November 1 to January 31. The registration of construction waste on the Malba App will become mandatory for building plan approval.
To prevent open waste burning, the government will strengthen waste collection systems. The number of waste segregation and recovery facilities has increased to 98. Ward-level monitoring teams will be deployed by October 15, and heating booths will be set up on a pilot basis to provide alternatives to outdoor burning in unauthorised colonies and slum areas.
Greening and industrial action
The plan includes accelerated tree planting and greening of brown areas. The Delhi government has already planted 71 lakh trees and greened 433 of 434 identified brown areas. For industrial pollution, an AI-enabled command centre will be operationalised, and the number of monitoring stations will increase from 47 to 60. A total of 334 enforcement teams will be deployed to take action against polluting industries that do not comply with environmental rules.
Winter protocols and restrictions
During winter, the government will implement several restrictions: parking charges will double, office timings will be staggered to reduce traffic congestion, and 50 per cent work-from-home arrangements will be encouraged. Vehicles that fail emission standards or are registered outside Delhi will be restricted from entering the city.
Public participation and electric vehicles
The plan emphasises involving residents, market associations, industries and elected representatives as active partners. Citizens will be encouraged to report encroachments, illegal parking and dumping points. The government will also run registration drives for the Parivartan Scheme, which incentivises vehicle owners to scrap old, polluting vehicles in exchange for incentives under the Electric Vehicle Policy 2026.
Coordination across states
The Union Environment Minister has directed that pollution from agricultural activities be addressed through a meeting with the Agriculture Minister and the agriculture ministers of National Capital Region states. Action plans for NCR areas are to be finalised before October 10 to ensure coordinated enforcement across state boundaries.
What this means for you
Delhi residents will see stricter enforcement of vehicle emission standards and restricted entry of polluting vehicles from November. Vehicle owners must ensure their pollution certificates are valid to refuel. Regular field visits by public representatives and officials at pollution hotspots mean increased monitoring and enforcement. Public participation in awareness campaigns and grievance reporting is encouraged. Those driving old, polluting vehicles may face entry restrictions into Delhi. The public transport expansion offers better alternatives, and incentives for scrapping old vehicles under the Parivartan Scheme may benefit owners looking to switch to electric or CNG vehicles.
What happens next
Hotspot action events are scheduled by October 10. Road development is targeted for completion by November 15. Construction and demolition activity restrictions begin November 1 and intensify from December 10. Vehicle entry restrictions take effect November 1, 2026. Ward-level waste monitoring teams will be deployed by October 15.