The Delhi government has launched a detailed Winter Action Plan for the 2026-27 period aimed at effectively managing air pollution. This plan emphasises the necessity of stricter enforcement of regulations, restrictions on vehicular traffic, and limitations on construction activities. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted the collaboration between the Delhi government and the Centre in tackling pollution across the National Capital Region (NCR).

The initiative adopts a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach, engaging various authorities including the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), local agencies, Delhi Police, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). This collaboration aims to create a cohesive response to the air quality crisis.

A significant element of the strategy is the escalation of the “No PUCC, No Fuel” campaign beginning October 1. This campaign will be enforced at all petrol stations equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. Vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) or nearing the end of their operational lifespan will be denied fuel.

Construction and Traffic Management Measures

The Winter Action Plan outlines phased restrictions on construction activities. From November 1 to January 31, dust-emitting demolition and outdoor construction will be halted, while a complete ban on construction and demolition operations will take place from December 10 to January 20. Additionally, all construction sites are required to implement 100 per cent CCTV surveillance to enhance monitoring.

In support of public transport initiatives, the government has set ambitious goals for increasing ridership. Presently, Delhi operates 6,840 buses, with 5,088 being electric. The aim is to achieve a daily Metro ridership of 72 lakh and DTC ridership of 42 lakh, facilitated by a campaign promoting the Delhi Metro Sarathi App from October 1 to 10 to enhance connectivity.

Environmental Cleaning and Industrial Regulation Initiatives

To combat road dust, the government has committed to redeveloping approximately 3,000 km of roads, with 1,193 km already completed. Efforts will also be intensified in deep cleaning, mechanised sweeping, and water sprinkling, alongside enhancements to footpaths and the greening of vacant spaces. Weekly inspections at 37 identified air-quality and traffic hotspots will be conducted by an array of local officials.

Further, the plan outlines a Zero Burning initiative, improved heating solutions for security personnel, and an increase in the number of mechanical road sweepers to 98, which will now operate in two shifts. In terms of regulating industrial pollution, the government has sealed or shut down 2,283 polluting units following a survey of 11,271 units. Ongoing efforts aim to promote vehicle scrappage and electric mobility through initiatives like the Parivartan Yojana and EV Policy 2026.

An AI-enabled Command and Control Centre is set to become fully operational by October 1, supported by 334 enforcement teams working across two shifts. Residents will be able to report pollution-related concerns through the Green Delhi App and suggest improvements via a dedicated portal, thereby fostering greater public involvement in the fight against air pollution.

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