Progressive measures need to be followed to reduce air pollution: Delhi CM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday (October 20, 2026) said that progressive measures would be necessary to secure the “right to breathe”, reiterating a series of measures to curb pollution during the winter months, including a ban on the entry of non-Delhi-registered vehicles below BS-VI standards from November 1 to January 31.

The restrictions are part of the winter pollution-control measures notified by the Delhi Government in June this year.

“Delhi is acting early and firmly against winter pollution. From 1 November to 31 January, non-Delhi vehicles below BS-6 norms will not be allowed to enter Delhi. No valid PUCC, no fuel,” Ms. Gupta said in a post on X.

The Winter Action Plan will remain in force from November 1 to February 28 and include curbs on construction and demolition activities, AI-based monitoring of construction sites, 50% work from home and staggered office timings, she said.

Cleaner mobility options, including electric buses, the Metro, last-mile connectivity and carpooling, would also support the efforts, the Chief Minister added.

Air pollution levels rise across Delhi-NCR and large parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) every winter, primarily due to meteorological conditions such as low wind speeds and falling temperatures, which trap pollutants close to the ground. The burning of crop residue in October and November, along with firecracker emissions, further exacerbates the pollution.