Delhi's New Pollution Plan: Work From Home Mandatory From Nov 1, GRAP Curbs To Kick In Automatically

New Delhi: The Rekha Gupta government has already geared up to tackle the air pollution that occurs in Delhi every year between November and February. About 50 per cent of the employees in Delhi Government and private offices will work from home from November 1 every year under a new permanent anti-pollution policy, the government notified on Wednesday.

What about earlier restrictions?

In July, the Rekha Gupta government announced air pollution restrictions that will be implemented from November 1 to February 28. These include a ban on vehicles from outside Delhi, double parking rates, and several work-from-home regulations. During air pollution, Delhi's condition resembles a 'gas chamber'. The Rekha Gupta government is making every effort to ensure that such conditions do not arise in Delhi this time.  

Will timings of government offices change?

Over the past several years, Delhi has seen a significant source of air pollution due to vehicle emissions. Private vehicles play a significant role in this. Working from home is the best solution to address this problem. Consequently, the Delhi government has implemented staggered office hours and work-from-home arrangements to reduce traffic congestion during the lockdown period from November to February. During the winter, offices under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will operate from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, while Delhi government offices will operate from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm between November 1 and February 28. 

Will 50% employees work from home?

According to the Delhi government, from November 1 to January 31, about 50 per cent of employees will be present in Delhi government and private offices, with the remaining employees working from home. This is expected to significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the roads. However, essential and emergency services (such as hospitals, public transport, electricity, water supply, sanitation, disaster management, and pollution control agencies) are exempt from this.

Will Petrol and diesel be available only after showing the PUC certificate?

According to the government, all petrol, diesel, and CNG/LPG retail outlets in Delhi will dispense petrol and diesel only upon presentation of a valid PUCC throughout the year. Vehicles found using fuel without a valid certificate can be fined. This will be verified through physical certificates, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, and electronic databases such as "Vahan."

Outside vehicles will be banned?

Motor vehicles registered outside Delhi and below BS-VI emission standards will be prohibited from plying in Delhi from November 1 to January 31 every year. However, this ban will not apply to CNG and electric vehicles, ambulances, fire vehicles, police vehicles, and other categories specifically exempted by the Environment Department. The notification issued on Wednesday also provides for doubling parking fees at authorized parking spaces from November 1 to February 28 to reduce the use of private vehicles. Parking facilities owned and managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation have been exempted.

What changes will happen in Delhi? 

• Ban on construction: There will be a strict ban on construction and demolition work during the months when pollution levels are highest in Delhi. 
• Anti-smog gun is necessary:  It will be necessary to install anti-smog system in big commercial buildings, malls, hotels and big construction sites.
• Drone monitoring: Open burning and other polluting activities will be monitored using drones, with increased monitoring especially at night. 
• Action on burning of garbage: Strict action will be taken against burning of garbage, leaves, plastic and biomass in the open.
• Heavy fines: Violators may face fines, environmental compensation, sealing of the premises and legal action.

According to a Delhi government notification, dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities will be prohibited from November 1 to January 31. Only essential public infrastructure projects will be permitted. Additionally, a complete ban on all construction and demolition activities will be in place from December 10 to January 20, with exemptions for essential government projects and emergency works. During this period, vehicles carrying construction materials such as sand, stone, bricks, cement, and debris will not be permitted to enter Delhi, except those involved in projects of national importance, essential public infrastructure, emergency works, and other exempted categories.