Delhi Implements 50% Work From Home Policy As Air Pollution Triggers GRAP-3 Measures

New Delhi:

Government and private offices in Delhi have been instructed to operate at 50 per cent on-site capacity, with the remainder working remotely due to escalating air pollution levels in the national capital. This directive was implemented under the Graded Response Action Plan level 3 (GRAP-3) as determined by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

The Delhi government had previously imposed restrictions for schools, including prohibiting outdoor play activities for children during periods of extremely poor air quality.

Government offices were already expected to experience reduced attendance on Tuesday following the Delhi government's announcement of a public holiday commemorating the 350th Shaheedi Purab of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Delhi relies on GRAP levels to determine appropriate measures based on the severity of air pollution, which has become a recurring winter phenomenon in recent years.

The CAQM collects data from the entire National Capital Region (NCR) and, based on average air quality index (AQI) and weather conditions, coordinates with various agencies and authorities to implement appropriate responses.

On Saturday, the Delhi government had also directed private offices to function with 50 per cent on-site staff, allowing the remaining employees to work remotely as a precautionary measure under GRAP-3. This advisory was also issued following directions from the CAQM.

GRAP 1 restrictions are activated when the AQI ranges between 201 to 300, GRAP 2 comes into effect when AQI is between 301 to 400, and GRAP 3 is implemented when AQI reaches 401 to 450. GRAP 4, the most severe level, is imposed when the AQI exceeds 451.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has affirmed that the government is implementing all pollution-control measures under GRAP 3 "with full seriousness and round-the-clock monitoring".

The government has urged citizens to avoid open burning of waste and biomass, remain vigilant about dust pollution, and report violations through the Green Delhi app.