Delhi Pollution: Delhi will face a fresh round of restrictions from December 18 after the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stayed in the ‘severe’ zone for three consecutive days, touching 410 on Tuesday. With GRAP Stage-4 coming into force, the Delhi government has introduced additional measures aimed at cutting emissions and limiting non-essential movement.
Work-From-Home Rules
Delhi Pollution: Labour Minister Kapil Mishra announced that both government and private offices must shift to hybrid or remote functioning, though essential services will remain fully operational.
What offices must follow:
- Private offices can allow only 50% staff to work on-site.
- The remaining 50% must work from home.
- Government offices will also shift to hybrid functioning.
Who is exempt:
- Hospitals and medical services
- Fire department
- Pollution-control and enforcement teams
- Sanitation and essential public services
- Daily-wage and field workers who cannot perform duties remotely
Mandatory PUC to Refuel
From Thursday, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to purchase fuel at Delhi’s petrol pumps.
PUC fees:
- ₹60- Two and three-wheelers
- ₹80- Four-wheelers
- ₹100- Diesel vehicles
PUC validity for BS-4 and BS-6 vehicles remains 12 months.
BS-6 Entry Ban and Construction Restrictions
To further curb emissions, vehicles that do not meet BS-6 standards and are registered outside Delhi will be barred from entering the city during GRAP Stages 3 and 4. Trucks carrying construction materials are also prohibited from entering the capital.
Construction activity will continue to remain restricted, and registered construction workers will receive ₹10,000 compensation for the affected days.
Upcoming Measures
The Delhi government has said it will soon launch a carpooling app to reduce vehicle count on roads. Enforcement teams will monitor borders and fuel stations to ensure strict compliance.
