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Delhi winter action plan: 50% of government staff to work from home from Nov 1, construction ban and doubled parking fees
Ahead of the winter pollution season, Delhi's government announced a winter action plan effective Nov 1: 50% work-from-home for government staff, a construction ban, doubled parking fees and more metro and bus services.
Why it matters
Every year from October to January, Delhi's air quality collapses to 'severe' levels, with PM2.5 readings among the worst of any major capital. Traffic emissions and construction dust are two of the biggest urban sources, and the city government wants to get ahead of the season this time — cutting commuter traffic and site dust before the peak hits.
Full story
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on September 28, 2026 that a winter action plan will take effect from November 1. Under the plan, 50% of Delhi government employees will work from home, and private firms are being encouraged to follow suit to thin out rush-hour traffic.
The plan also includes a ban on construction activity during peak pollution episodes, a doubling of public parking fees to discourage private car use, and increased frequency of metro and bus services to pull commuters onto public transport.
Delhi's winter smog is a long-running crisis: stubble burning in neighbouring states, vehicle exhaust and construction dust combine each year to trigger school closures and health advisories. Announcing the measures a full month before the season is one of the earliest winter responses the capital has rolled out.
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