Doubled parking fees, WFH for 50% workforce, construction ban & more: Delhi govt ahead of winter air pollution

In an attempt to get a head start on the winter air pollution situation in the national capital, the Delhi government on Monday announced a complete ban on construction and demolition activities starting December.

From November 1, the Rekha Gupta government has also doubled parking fees to discourage the use of private vehicles, and announced work-from-home for 50% of the workforce.

Delhi’s air quality has begun to deteriorate over the past few days, with the AQI remaining in the moderate category amid dry weather and low wind speeds, which have contributed to the accumulation of pollutants.

Here's what we know so far:

• The Delhi government has banned dust-generating demolition activity and outdoor civil construction activity from 1 November 2026 to 31 January 2027.
• It also announced a complete ban on construction and demolition activities from 10 December 2026 to 20 January 2027
• It said that existing parking charges at authorised parking sites will be doubled to discourage the use of private vehicles, except for parking spaces owned and managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (MRC) from 1 November 2026 to 28 February 2027.
• Staggered Office Timings from 1 November to 28 February: Offices under MCD: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM & Officers under GNCTD: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM.
• Government & Private offices to reduce work strength by 50%: 50% staff shall work from home, and 50% from 1 November to 28 February