News: Delhi builders back pollution curbs but ask for clear timelines on construction restrictions-28-09-2026
Real estate developers have said that Delhi’s winter pollution measures are necessary but should follow a balanced, clearly defined approach with specific timelines and guidelines, so that people and businesses dependent on the sector are not unduly disrupted. They were reacting to the Delhi government’s announcement of measures including a complete ban on construction and demolition during the peak pollution period.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on September 28 that dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction will be prohibited from November 1 to January 31, with a complete ban on construction and demolition from December 10, 2026 to January 20, 2027.
The other measures include doubling parking charges from November 1, staggered office timings and 50 per cent work from home. Registered vehicles from outside Delhi below BS-VI emission standards will be fully barred from entering the city from November 1, and electric vehicles will pay no additional parking charges. Restrictions on private transport and stricter pollution-under-control (PUC) certificate norms for fuel were also announced.
The measures followed an action-based planning meeting on cutting pollution in Delhi and the NCR, chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma and Sirsa.
NAREDCO Delhi, a self-regulatory body for the real estate and allied industries, said prolonged curbs could affect livelihoods, project timelines and the wider ecosystem. Its president, Harsh Vardhan Bansal, said developers are committed to working with the government and ready to comply, but the concerns of all stakeholders, including homebuyers, construction workers, wage earners, shopkeepers, contractors, suppliers and allied industries, should be considered.
He added that pollution-control measures should be applied uniformly across NCR projects regardless of size so that they deliver wider benefits.


