Delhi's anti-pollution curbs: WFH, vehicle entry ban come into force
What's the story
The Delhi government's stricter anti-pollution measures came into effect on Thursday. These restrictions were announced after the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) dipped into the "severe" category for three consecutive days earlier this week. The new rules include a shift to hybrid work-from-home models for offices, a ban on certain vehicles' entry, and mandatory Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. As many as 580 police officers will be deployed for vehicle checks, with 37 enforcement vans stationed at 126 checkpoints.
Work shift
Hybrid work model mandated for Delhi offices
Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra earlier ordered all government and private institutions to implement a hybrid work-from-home model from Thursday. The order mandates that no more than 50% of staff should be physically present at workplaces in National Capital Territory of Delhi. The rule, however, exempts emergency and frontline personnel, such as those working at hospitals, air pollution control departments, and the fire department. The restriction will also not apply to public and private health care, transportation, and sanitation services.
Vehicle restrictions
Vehicle entry ban and mandatory PUC certificates
Additionally, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa had announced a ban on vehicles below the BS-VI category registered outside Delhi. This restriction is applicable during both Stage 3 and Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Delhi Traffic Police and the transport department's enforcement teams will be deployed at petrol pumps and borders to enforce this ban.
Fuel restriction
PUC certificates mandatory for fuel access
The Delhi government has also made it mandatory to produce a PUC certificate to get fuel at petrol pumps. The PUC certificate is issued after an emission check of vehicles at authorized centers in the national capital. The cost of a PUC certificate is ₹60 for two- and three-wheeled vehicles, ₹80 for four-wheeled vehicles, and ₹100 for diesel-driven vehicles.
Construction ban
Construction vehicles banned, compensation announced for workers
Sirsa also announced a ban on vehicles carrying construction materials from entering Delhi. He urged people to bring BS6 compliant vehicles if they are coming from outside. The government also promised ₹10,000 compensation to workers affected by restrictions on construction activities during GRAP III and IV. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has allowed action against diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in Delhi-NCR, provided they meet emission standards below BS-IV, reversing its earlier order.