Delhi Government has implemented the Winter Pollution Master Plan policy which is applicable from 1st November to 28th February every year. Know the complete information about WFH, ban on petrol without PUC, double parking charges, ban on construction works and new rules.
The government has taken a big and permanent step to deal with the air pollution that increases every year during winter in Delhi. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s government has notified the Winter Pollution Master Plan. Now the rules set for pollution control will be automatically implemented every year from November 1 to February 28. The government says that to keep the capital clean and healthy, not only government efforts but also participation of common people is necessary.
These rules will be applicable every year
Under the new policy, many strict restrictions will remain in force from November 1 to February 28. Work from home (WFH) system will be implemented for 50 percent of the employees in government and private offices, so that the number of vehicles on the roads can be reduced and pollution can be controlled. Apart from this, parking fees will be doubled during the same period, which will try to reduce the use of private vehicles.
Fuel will not be available without valid PUC
The government has also increased strictness on polluting vehicles. Now petrol or diesel will not be given to any vehicle without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This rule will remain in force every year during the winter pollution period. The government believes that this will reduce the number of polluting vehicles.
There will also be a ban on construction work
The Delhi government has also decided to ban construction and demolition works that generate dust. Most of the dust generating civil and construction works will be banned from November 1 to January 31. Apart from this, arrangements like ban on entry of vehicles of non-BS-VI standards will also be implemented.
What did the Chief Minister say?
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that keeping Delhi clean and healthy is not the responsibility of the government alone. Participation of every citizen is necessary in this. He appealed to the people to follow the rules set by the government to reduce pollution.
Why is this decision important?
Every year during winter, the air quality in Delhi becomes extremely poor due to stubble, vehicle pollution, dust from construction works and weather conditions. To deal with this challenge, the government has now implemented not a temporary but a permanent winter pollution policy, so that pollution control measures can be implemented on time every year as per the previously decided system.