Delhi NCR Imposes 15‑Day Construction Ban Ahead of Diwali to Curb Air Pollution

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a 15‑day ban on dust‑generating demolition and outdoor construction activities in Delhi and five NCR districts, coupled with a 50% work‑from‑home mandate. The order, taken under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021, is a precautionary step rather than part of the usual Graded Response Action Plan. The curbs were announced two days before Delhi’s 10‑point winter pollution plan begins, which already limits vehicle entry, dust control, fuel dispensing, office timings, parking fees and construction. Officials said the decision followed an assessment of meteorological conditions, paddy harvest progress in Punjab and Haryana, and historical peak data. They noted that 55‑60 % of paddy harvesting in Punjab and 50 % in Haryana had been completed and that efforts were underway to provide farmers with machinery for stubble disposal. The CAQM order aims to curb pollution from upcoming Diwali firecrackers and the remainder of the harvest season’s stubble burning. Delhi‑NCR has seen better air quality this October compared to last year, largely due to favourable weather, but the AQI is expected to worsen to ‘Poor’ by November 2. The directive marks the first pre‑emptive action of its kind in the region.