Delhi is set to introduce a series of stricter measures to tackle rising air pollution ahead of the winter season, with the government planning tighter controls on vehicles, construction activity and workplace operations.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has announced that the city will strengthen its “No PUC, No Fuel” policy from October 1. Under the measure, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be permitted to refuel at petrol pumps.
The move comes as Delhi prepares for the annual deterioration in air quality during the winter months. The government has planned a phased set of measures that will be implemented between November 2026 and February 2027, with additional restrictions expected during periods when pollution levels are particularly high.
‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule to be enforced from October 1
From October 1, motorists in Delhi will need to ensure that their vehicles have a valid PUC certificate before visiting petrol pumps for refuelling.
The policy is aimed at encouraging vehicle owners to keep their emission certificates up to date and ensuring that vehicles exceeding prescribed pollution limits are identified.
The Delhi government is also expected to strengthen monitoring at fuel stations as part of the enforcement drive. Vehicle owners without valid certification could face difficulties in obtaining fuel once the stricter system comes into effect.
The government has positioned the measure as one of the early steps in its larger winter pollution-control strategy.
Construction and demolition activities to face restrictions
Construction activity will also come under tighter scrutiny as Delhi enters the winter pollution season.
The government has announced restrictions on dust-generating demolition work and outdoor civil construction activities from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.
The restrictions are aimed at reducing dust emissions from construction sites, which can contribute to deteriorating air quality in the capital.
An even stricter phase has been planned between December 10, 2026, and January 20, 2027. During this period, construction and demolition activities will face a complete ban.
The government is expected to monitor construction sites closely during the restricted period and take action against activities that violate the pollution-control measures.
Government offices to introduce 50% work-from-home system
Delhi has also planned changes in the way government and autonomous offices operate during the winter pollution period.
From November 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027, government and autonomous offices will implement a 50 per cent work-from-home arrangement.
Under the system, half of the employees will work from home while the remaining 50 per cent will report to their offices. The workforce arrangement can help reduce daily commuting and the number of private vehicles travelling on Delhi’s roads.
The government has also announced separate office timings for different departments.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will operate from 8:30 am to 5 pm, while offices under the Delhi government will function from 10 am to 6:30 pm.
Winter pollution measures to remain in force until February
The different measures will be introduced in phases rather than being implemented simultaneously.
The government’s plan covers the period from October 2026 through February 2027, with vehicle pollution, construction dust and traffic-related emissions among the key areas being targeted.
The authorities are preparing the restrictions ahead of the winter months, when Delhi frequently experiences a sharp deterioration in air quality because of a combination of local emissions, weather conditions and other regional pollution sources.
The “No PUC, No Fuel” enforcement from October 1 will therefore serve as one of the first major steps before the broader winter restrictions begin in November.
