Delhi-NCR Pollution Alert: 50% Staff Capacity and Construction Ban from Nov 5
CAQM mandates 50% staff capacity and bans construction in Delhi-NCR from Nov 5 to curb seasonal pollution. Find out the exemptions and rules.
As the seasonal risk of smog and deteriorating air quality looms over the capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has stepped in with drastic measures. In a bid to preemptively tackle the pollution crisis, the commission has ordered a significant reduction in physical office presence and a complete halt on dust-generating activities across Delhi and key districts of the National Capital Region (NCR) starting November 5.
Work From Home Mandate for Offices
Under the powers granted by Section 12 of the CAQM Act 2021, the commission has mandated that both government and private offices operate at a maximum of 50 percent physical staff capacity. This directive applies to Delhi and five specific NCR districts: Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The remaining employees are required to work from home for a 15-day window, effective from November 5 to November 20, 2026. This move is designed to reduce the volume of commuters on the road, thereby lowering vehicular emissions during a critical pollution peak.
Construction and Demolition Crackdown
To combat the rise of particulate matter, the CAQM has imposed a strict ban on all outdoor construction and demolition activities that generate dust. This blanket ban covers the entire NCR for the same period (November 5 to November 20).
Who is Exempt?
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav clarified that the restrictions will not hinder critical infrastructure. Exemptions have been granted for:
- Public Infrastructure: Projects related to national security, defense, and essential public utilities.
- Transport Hubs: Work on railways, metro services, airports, and inter-state bus terminals.
- Health and Sanitation: Hospitals, water supply, and sanitation utilities.
- Linear Infrastructure: The construction of highways, flyovers, pipelines, telecommunications works, and power transmission lines.
Industrial Vigilance and Heavy Fines
The fight against pollution extends beyond offices and construction sites. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a stern warning to industrial units. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee, along with state boards in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, have been directed to take punitive action against industries that fail to install or retrofit Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs).
These devices must meet the updated emission standards that came into effect on October 1, 2026. To ensure these rules are not ignored, flying squads will be deployed on the ground starting November 5. Violators found flouting the emission norms face heavy financial penalties.
Vehicle Restrictions Remain
Adding to these measures, Union Minister Yadav reaffirmed that the restrictions on older vehicles are still in place. Non-Delhi registered vehicles that are BS-IV or below remain banned from entering the city. This specific restriction is active from November 1 and will continue until January 31, 2027.