Delhi's permanent Winter Pollution Action Plan, gazetted on July 1, 2026, brings year-after-year rules instead of annual emergency orders. Here is what changes from November 1.

**Work from home:** 50% of staff must work from home from November 1 to January 31, in both government and private offices. This is the plan's biggest behavioural lever.

**Construction ban:** All construction and demolition stops from November 1 to January 31. From December 10 to January 20, the ban is complete — no exceptions.

**Parking:** Fees double from November 1 to February 28. The aim is to push commuters toward public transport during the worst air-quality months.

**Office timings:** Staggered work hours will spread out rush-hour traffic, cutting peak emissions.

**Fuel:** The "No PUC, No Fuel" rule applies all year — vehicles without a valid pollution certificate cannot buy fuel.

**Enforcement:** An AI-powered command centre launched on October 2 will track violations in real time.

**Why now?** Delhi's AQI hit 166 on October 2, the most polluted start to October in four years. The government says permanent rules beat last-minute bans.

The real test is enforcement, where past plans have repeatedly fallen short.