Gurugram Announces Work-From-Home For All Private Institutions, Corporate Offices Amid Alarming AQI

All private institutions & corporate offices in Gurugram have been advised to implement 50% work-from-home policy as the air quality levels remain in the "severe plus" category.

As the pollution levels in Delhi-NCR continue to stay in the "severe plus" category posing health-related concerns for people, Gurugram has announced the implementation of work-from-home for all private institutions and corporate offices in the city starting November 20.

A notification issued by the office of Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram read: "In view of the directive from the Commission for Air Quality Management (NCR), all private institutions & corporate offices in Gurugram have been advised to implement 50% work-from-home policy starting 20th Nov 2024 until further notice."

"This is crucial in combating "Severe+" air quality levels & supporting the GRAP measures to improve air quality in the region," Ajay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Gurugram said.

On Monday, DC Kumar ordered closure of all shools up to Class 5 in all urban and rural areas of Gurugram with effect from November 19 until further notice. The decision was taken keeping in mind the interest of health and safety of the children.

"After an analysis of the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the district, pollution levels in some areas were found to be in the very poor category, while it touched the severe category in some other parts over the past 24 hours," the statement said.

"For students above class 5, online teaching will be conducted in place of physical classes at all government and private schools of the district," the order read.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government imposed Graded Response Action Plan Stage 4 on Monday as the air pollution levels in the city remained in the "severe plus" category. Under GRAP-4 a ban has been imposed on Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles. Additionally, all trucks and light commercial vehicles that are registered outside Delhi will not be allowed entry in the national capital. Only those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services will be allowed entry.

The Supreme Court has also directed Delhi and the NCR states to strictly impose GRAP 4 curbs and ordered that these measures must continue even after the AQI falls below 450.