New Delhi | October 31, 2026
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced preventive measures to tackle rising air pollution across Delhi-NCR, directing government and private offices to operate with up to 50% physical attendance from November 5 to 20, 2026.
Under the order, the remaining employees will work from home. The restrictions cover Delhi and five adjoining NCR districts: Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The CAQM has also restricted dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities across the National Capital Region during the same period, with exemptions for essential infrastructure and other specified projects.
50% Work From Home for Delhi-NCR Offices
The CAQM has directed government and private offices within the notified areas to limit physical attendance to 50% of their workforce.
The remaining employees must work from home between November 5 and November 20.
The directive applies to offices in:
- Delhi
- Gurugram
- Faridabad
- Sonipat
- Ghaziabad
- Gautam Buddha Nagar
Industrial establishments and essential services where the arrangement is not feasible are exempt from the attendance requirement.
The order aims to reduce commuting-related emissions and limit pollution during the region’s historically vulnerable early-November period.
Construction and Demolition Activities Restricted
The CAQM has restricted dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities across NCR from November 5 to 20.
The restrictions also cover linear infrastructure projects, including:
- Highways and roads
- Flyovers and overbridges
- Power transmission lines
- Pipelines
- Telecommunications infrastructure
However, exemptions have been provided for specified essential projects, including railways, Metro services, airports, inter-state bus terminals, hospitals, water supply, sanitation, national security, defence-related activities and projects of national importance.
The restrictions are intended to reduce dust emissions before and during the expected peak pollution period.
Why CAQM Introduced the Preventive Measures
The CAQM said historical Air Quality Index (AQI) data from 2018 to 2025 showed recurring elevated pollution levels in Delhi-NCR during early and mid-November.
During this period, local emissions, agricultural residue and biomass burning can add to the pollution load. Low wind speeds, a shallow atmospheric boundary layer and limited vertical mixing can also prevent pollutants from dispersing.
The commission said the measures are preventive, temporary and limited to specified geographical areas, with the objective of reducing emissions before severe pollution episodes develop.
Delhi-NCR Pollution Measures Ahead of Winter
The new restrictions form part of a broader effort to control winter pollution in the national capital region.
Delhi has also announced additional measures for the winter season, including restrictions on certain vehicles entering the capital, higher parking charges and requirements for valid Pollution Under Control certificates.
Authorities are expected to monitor implementation of the CAQM directions and ensure that offices and construction sites comply with the restrictions.
The November 5–20 measures are intended to reduce pollution sources during a period when Delhi-NCR frequently experiences worsening air quality.
What Residents and Businesses Should Know
Employees working in the affected areas should check their organisation’s attendance and work-from-home arrangements before November 5.
Businesses involved in construction, demolition and infrastructure work should review whether their activities fall under the restrictions or qualify for an exemption.
Residents should also follow official pollution advisories and updates from the CAQM and local authorities as the winter pollution season progresses.
The restrictions will remain in effect for the specified period unless authorities issue further directions.
