Environment
Delhi-NCR halts construction from 5 Nov to 20 Nov
Hindustan Times·
The Centre paused construction and demolition across Delhi-NCR from November 5 to November 20 as winter pollution worsens, Hindustan Times reported. Offices must cap attendance at up to 50% in Delhi and five neighbouring districts unless impractical. Railways, metro, airports, hospitals and defence work are exempt. Delhi’s air quality index was 133 after rain, with poor air from November 1.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Contractors must halt non-exempt demolition and building work for 16 days unless covered by railway, metro, hospital or defence exemptions.
- Office workers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar may split weeks between home and 50% desk rosters.
- Drivers face GRAP stage I traffic rules from November 1 when AQI enters the poor band between 201 and 300.
What's Happening
- Historical mid-November peaks pushed the government to act before severe AQI days, the order said.
- Delhi had planned a separate December 10 to January 20 construction ban under its winter action plan.
- CPCB data showed AQI above 200 on Wednesday and Thursday before Friday’s moderate 133 reading.
GRAP stage I from November 1
- Commission for Air Quality Management enforces GRAP curbs across Delhi-NCR.
- Stage I triggers when AQI sits between 201 and 300, classified as poor.
- Only BS-VI, CNG and electric vehicles may enter Delhi under fresh traffic police curbs.
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