Delhi Implements Six‑Week Construction Ban and Doubles Parking Fees to Combat Toxic Air

Delhi announces a six‑week ban on all construction activity starting mid‑October, aiming to cut dust emissions during the peak winter smog season that has pushed AQI to “severe plus” levels.

Construction Ban will halt work on over 200 ongoing projects, leaving sites with sealed entrances, stored materials and visible “No Construction” signage, while municipal crews enforce compliance through spot checks.

Parking Fees are being doubled citywide, with meters now charging ₹200 per hour, a measure officials say will discourage private vehicle use and shift commuters toward public transit as part of the broader air‑quality plan.

Vehicle Curbs include restrictions on diesel cars entering central zones and a mandatory work‑from‑home policy for office employees, policies expected to lower traffic emissions by up to 15 percent, though experts warn results may be limited without broader enforcement.