New Anti-Pollution Restrictions in Delhi: WFH Mandates and Fuel Bans Start Thursday

With Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the ‘severe’ category for several consecutive days, the Delhi government has announced a sweeping set of new restrictions. These measures, effective from Thursday, December 18, 2025, aim to complement the ongoing GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan) protocols.

The announcement comes shortly after the Supreme Court termed the current anti-pollution measures a “total failure,” prompting the state government to take more aggressive steps to curb vehicular and industrial emissions.

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🏢 Work From Home (WFH) Mandate

Labour Minister Kapil Mishra has issued a directive shifting the city’s workforce to a hybrid model to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

• 50% Cap: All private and government offices in the NCT of Delhi must ensure that no more than 50% of their staff attend the workplace physically. The remaining 50% must work from home.
• Exemptions: Essential and emergency services—including hospitals, the fire department, sanitation, and transport services—are exempt and will continue full physical operations.

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⛽ ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Policy

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced a strict crackdown on vehicular pollution with a new enforcement rule at fuel stations.

• Fuel Ban: Starting Thursday, petrol pumps across Delhi are prohibited from providing fuel to any vehicle that does not have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
• BS-6 Entry Only: Only BS-6 compliant vehicles, EVs, and CNG commercial vehicles are permitted entry into Delhi. Older petrol and diesel vehicles (BS-3 and BS-4) face a total ban on movement.

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🏗️ Relief for Construction Workers

As GRAP-4 has halted most construction activities, the government has announced a financial safety net for those affected.

• Compensation: Registered construction workers will receive ₹10,000 as compensation for the loss of wages during the period GRAP-4 remains in place.
• Registration: The Labour Department has stated that the registration process is ongoing to ensure all eligible workers receive the aid.

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📊 Summary of Key Changes (Effective Dec 18)

Measure	Restriction Details
Private Offices	Mandatorily 50% Work From Home.
Petrol Pumps	Must check for valid PUC before dispensing fuel.
Old Vehicles	Strict ban on BS-3 Petrol and BS-4 Diesel cars.
Schools	All classes up to Class V remain strictly online (upheld by SC).
Compensation	₹10,000 for affected construction labourers.

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