Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026: What changes in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Delhi is set to roll out sweeping measures to combat air pollution, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiling the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026. From November 1, 2026, entry of goods vehicles into the city will be restricted to those compliant with BS-VI norms, CNG, or electric power.

• This is aimed at reducing emissions from diesel-powered freight carriers that contribute significantly to the city’s deteriorating air quality

• A similar rule was proposed last year but couldn’t be implemented

• Non-essential traffic inflow also to be regulated

• In periods of severe pollution, staggered office timings, work-from-home directives and additional restrictions on polluting vehicles may be imposed to provide immediate relief

• Govt to strictly enforce ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule using ANPR cameras and digital tracking systems

• To reduce reliance on private vehicles, govt to expand public transport. The bus fleet is set to grow to 13,760 by 2028-29, with focus on electric buses

• Traffic congestion to be addressed at 62 identified hotspots through infrastructure upgrades and a city-wide Intelligent Traffic Management System

• Smart parking reforms also planned

The plan, prepared under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, outlines a structured roadmap for sustainable urban development, with a strong focus on accountability, technology and time-bound implementation.

A high-level review meeting on effective pollution control was held on Friday at the 'Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan', chaired by the chief minister.




The meeting was attended by cabinet ministers Pravesh Sahib Singh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and Pankaj Kumar Singh; Chief Secretary Rajiv Verma; officials from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and the Traffic Police; along with senior representatives from all concerned government departments.

The Delhi CM reiterated that clean air and environmental protection are now at the core of the government’s policy framework, supported by dedicated budget allocations for clean mobility, dust control, waste management, greening and pollution monitoring.

"This is not just a policy announcement, it's an enforcement-driven campaign powered by resources, technology and strict oversight," she said, adding that the aim is to ensure cleaner air for every resident of Delhi.