Work from home has been mandated for half the workforce in Delhi after authorities imposed the strictest anti-pollution curbs under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) due to a sharp deterioration in air quality. Invoking powers under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, directions have been issued to all government offices under the GNCTD and to private offices in the city to operate at 50% capacity, with the remaining staff required to work from home.
Severity Forces Immediate Effect
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced GRAP-IV with immediate effect across the National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday after air quality slipped into the ‘severe+’ category. The move came just hours after GRAP-III had been activated, reflecting the rapid worsening of pollution levels.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 448 at 7 pm on Saturday, firmly placing it in the severe category. This marked a sharp decline from Friday, when the 24-hour average AQI stood at 349, classified as very poor.
Expects To Remain Severe On Sunday
Forecasts from the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi (AQEWS) suggest little immediate relief. Air quality is expected to remain in the severe range on Sunday, with only a marginal improvement to very poor levels likely by Monday. Authorities said the work-from-home directive aims to reduce vehicular movement and curb further emissions as emergency measures remain in force across the capital.
GRAP Changes With Air Quality
The revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) changes the air quality thresholds at which pollution control measures are enforced, allowing stricter steps to be implemented earlier than before. Under the updated framework, measures that were earlier part of Stage 4 will now come into effect at Stage 3.
This means that when the Air Quality Index (AQI) falls in the 301–400 range, public, municipal and private offices will operate with 50% staff strength, while central government offices will shift to work-from-home arrangements. Previously, these curbs were imposed only when the AQI crossed 450.
Stage 3 Measures Moves To Stage 2
Measures that earlier applied under Stage 3 have now been moved to Stage 2. As a result, staggered office timings for government departments will be enforced when the AQI is between 201 and 300, instead of at higher pollution levels.
Similarly, steps that were earlier part of Stage 2 will now be implemented under Stage 1. These include ensuring uninterrupted power supply to reduce the use of diesel generators, which will now be enforced when the AQI is in the 101–200 range.
Officials said the changes are aimed at responding to deteriorating air quality more quickly by activating preventive measures at lower pollution levels.
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