World · India Bureau
Delhi to impose strict pollution curbs from Sunday through February
Delhi will enforce a series of escalating restrictions beginning Sunday to combat winter air pollution, with vehicle bans and construction halts set to remain in place until late February. Older vehicles registered outside the capital will face the strictest curbs, banned from entering the city until January 31.
LSN India ·
Delhi authorities will roll out comprehensive anti-pollution measures starting Sunday, targeting multiple sources of air quality degradation as winter conditions trap pollutants over the region. The restrictions, staggered through February 28, will intensify on December 10 with a complete ban on external construction and demolition activities lasting until January 20.
Vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet current emission standards will face the most severe restrictions. BS-IV and older vehicles will be barred from entering the capital until January 31, though exemptions have been granted for compressed natural gas vehicles, electric vehicles, and essential service providers.
The tiered approach reflects efforts by the Delhi government to combat the severe air quality challenges that typically emerge during winter months. Construction-related activities, a significant contributor to particulate matter in the air, will be curtailed in phases, with the complete moratorium beginning December 10.
The restrictions represent part of a broader strategy to maintain air quality standards during the months when meteorological conditions most favor pollution accumulation. Authorities have coordinated the measures to balance environmental protection with maintaining essential services and commercial activities where possible.