Authorities in New Delhi implemented a series of intensified pollution control measures starting Sunday in an effort to address the city’s worsening air quality during the winter months. The new regulations include increased parking fees, work-from-home directives for both government and private sector employees, and restrictions on vehicles failing to meet emission standards.

The Delhi government announced that parking charges will be doubled as part of efforts to discourage vehicle use and reduce traffic-related emissions. Additionally, authorities have mandated work-from-home policies aimed at lowering the number of commuters on city roads. Vehicles not conforming to mandated emission norms will be barred from entering the capital, and a ban on all dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities has been put into immediate effect.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s office highlighted the activation of the “Winter Action Plan” from November 1, which includes stronger enforcement measures and continuous air quality monitoring around the clock. The statement urged residents to comply with the guidelines to help improve air quality and public health.

This week’s measures build on pollution control efforts introduced over the past month, such as prohibiting the burning of waste materials and restricting food vendors from using coal or firewood. Despite such initiatives, Delhi regularly experiences severe smog from November through January, caused by a combination of factors including vehicle emissions, operations of coal-fired power plants, industrial activity, construction dust, and the practice of burning crop residue in neighboring states.

Previous attempts to mitigate winter air pollution in the city have achieved limited success, as meteorological conditions like cooler temperatures and stagnant air trap pollutants near ground level. The current round of measures aims to enforce stricter compliance and reduce pollution sources more effectively as the city faces its annual air quality crisis.