Delhi has tightened its anti-pollution measures as the city’s air quality slipped into the “severe” category. The government has ordered all government and private offices to operate with only 50% of employees in the workplace, while the remaining staff must work from home until further notice.
This decision is part of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is activated when pollution levels reach dangerous limits. The Delhi Environment Department issued the directive under the Environment (Protection) Act, making it mandatory for offices to follow the 50% attendance rule.
Senior officials, such as department heads and administrative secretaries, must still report to the office, but even in these departments, only half the total staff can be physically present at any given time.
Private offices have also been asked to adopt staggered timings and continue strong work-from-home arrangements to reduce traffic and cut emissions from vehicles, one of the major contributors to winter pollution in Delhi.
Essential services, including hospitals, fire services, electricity, water supply, transport, sanitation, and pollution-control agencies, are exempt from the order.
The Delhi Police, district magistrates, and civic bodies have been directed to ensure that all offices comply. Any violation may lead to action under environmental protection laws.
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