Delhi enforces 50% work from home as air quality slips to ‘severe plus’; violators face penalties
Delhi pollution: As toxic smog engulfed the national capital, the Delhi Government has directed all offices, government as well as private, to operate with at least 50 per cent of their staff working from home. Authorities have cautioned that strict action, including fines, will be taken against organisations that fail to comply with the order.
Delhi recorded one of its worst air quality readings of the season on December 15, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 498, placing it firmly in the ‘severe plus’ category. This marked a further decline from the previous day, when pollution levels had already crossed into the ‘severe’ zone, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
In response to the rapidly worsening situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced GRAP Stage IV, the toughest set of anti-pollution measures, across the capital and the wider National Capital Region (NCR). The restrictions aim to curb emission-generating activities and reduce exposure to hazardous air.
Under the new measures, construction activities have been halted, prompting the Delhi government to announce financial assistance of Rs 10,000 for registered construction workers who are temporarily out of work due to the ban.
Dense smog blanketed the city from Saturday through Monday, severely impacting daily life. Reduced visibility led to a series of road accidents, traffic pile-ups, and disruptions in air travel, with several flights delayed or cancelled. The Delhi airport and airlines issued advisories as fog and pollution levels continued to hamper operations.
After three consecutive days of extreme conditions, Delhi experienced slight relief on Tuesday. Improved wind speed and dispersal of fog helped bring the AQI down to the ‘very poor’ category, a level that has remained consistent at the time of filing this report.
GRAP IV measures are applicable across the entire NCR, including Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad. As part of these curbs, the entry of non-Delhi vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards has been prohibited. Additionally, petrol pumps have been instructed to deny fuel to vehicles lacking valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
- With inputs from agencies
