WFH to Vehicle Entry Ban: Delhi’s Stricter Anti-Pollution Curbs Take Effect Today

Stricter measures to combat air pollution in Delhi came into force on Thursday after the city’s air quality index (AQI) slipped into the “severe” category earlier this week.

The fresh curbs, announced by the Delhi government, include a shift to a hybrid work model for offices, restrictions on the entry of certain vehicles and mandatory Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. These steps add to the Stage 4 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) after Delhi recorded “severe” AQI levels for three consecutive days since Saturday, December 13.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court criticised CAQM for the steps taken so far, calling for a more comprehensive and coordinated strategy to tackle the pollution crisis.

Key measures announced by the Delhi government

Hybrid work model for offices:
Labour Minister Kapil Mishra said all government and private offices in the National Capital Territory of Delhi must switch to a hybrid work-from-home model from Thursday or face action.

Under the order, no more than 50% of employees in private offices may attend the workplace physically at any given time, with the remainder required to work from home.

The rule does not apply to emergency and frontline workers, including hospital staff, personnel involved in pollution control, fire services and other essential services. Health services, transport and sanitation services are also exempt.

Vehicle entry restrictions:
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that vehicles registered outside Delhi and not compliant with Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms will not be allowed to enter the city when GRAP Stage 4 is in force.

The final order specifies that the restriction applies only during GRAP-4. Enforcement teams from the Delhi Traffic Police and the transport department will be deployed at city borders and petrol pumps.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday also ended interim protection against coercive action for BS-III and older vehicles in the national capital.

In addition, vehicles carrying construction materials have been barred from entering Delhi. “Trucks carrying construction materials into Delhi have also been banned. I appeal to people coming from outside Delhi to bring vehicles that comply with BS-VI emission standards,” Sirsa said.

Mandatory PUC certificates:
From Thursday, vehicles without a valid PUC certificate will not be provided fuel at petrol pumps, Sirsa said.

A PUC certificate is issued after an emissions check at authorised centres across Delhi. The fee is ₹60 for two- and three-wheelers, ₹80 for four-wheelers, and ₹100 for diesel vehicles. For Bharat Stage IV and VI compliant vehicles, the certificate is valid for 12 months.