Delhi Air Quality Crisis Triggers Immediate 50% Work-From-Home Order

The Delhi government has mandated 50% staff attendance for all offices. The order was issued on Saturday, December 13. This is a direct response to dangerously high air pollution levels. The city’s air quality index (AQI) has entered the ‘severe’ category.

According to PTI, the directive applies to both government and private offices. It is part of Stage-IV restrictions under the national Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The aim is to reduce vehicular emissions and public exposure during this critical period.

Government and Private Sector Face New Hybrid Rules

The official order requires half of all staff to work from home. Administrative secretaries and department heads must still attend in person. This ensures essential public services continue without disruption. Private entities are also strongly encouraged to adopt flexible working hours where possible.

Certain critical services are fully exempt from the rule. These include hospitals, fire services, public transport, and electricity supply. Environmental enforcement teams are also excluded. They are busy with pollution control and monitoring activities on the ground.

Schools Shift to Online Learning as AQI Hits Severe Levels

The education sector is also impacted by the emergency measures. All government and private schools in Delhi have been instructed to adopt hybrid learning. Classes for students up to Grade 9 and Grade 11 will combine online and in-person sessions. The goal is to protect children’s health while maintaining educational continuity.

The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an AQI of 457. This falls firmly in the ‘severe’ range, which poses health risks to all residents. The poor air quality is linked to adverse weather conditions trapping pollutants. Authorities had already activated Stage-III GRAP measures earlier, including a ban on most construction.

The immediate focus remains on mitigating public health risks from the severe Delhi air quality. Further restrictions may follow if pollution levels do not see a significant improvement in the coming days.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What is the new work rule in Delhi?

The Delhi government has ordered all offices to function with only 50% of their staff physically present. The other half must work from home. This applies to both government and private sector offices.

Q2: Are any services exempt from the 50% rule?

Yes, essential and emergency services are exempt. This includes hospitals, fire departments, public transport, and electricity and water supply services. Pollution control teams are also exempt.

Q3: What is Delhi’s current AQI?

On Saturday, Delhi’s overall AQI was recorded at 457. This is classified as ‘severe’ by the Central Pollution Control Board. An AQI above 400 poses health risks to the entire population.

Q4: What about schools in Delhi?

All schools have been directed to hold hybrid classes for students up to Class 9 and 11. This means a mix of online and physical attendance. The measure is to protect children from harmful pollution.

Q5: Why was this order issued?

The order was issued after the Commission for Air Quality Management activated Stage-IV of the GRAP. This is the highest alert level, triggered when AQI remains in the ‘severe’ category for a sustained period.