As hazardous air conditions continue to choke the national capital, the Delhi government has rolled out a fresh set of emergency measures to curb exposure and reduce commuter congestion. Citing persistently “poor” air quality, the BJP-led administration in the Union Territory has directed private companies to ensure that at least 50 per cent of their workforce operates from home until conditions improve.
The decision was announced on Wednesday by Labour Minister Kapil Mishra, who made it clear that the order is mandatory and not advisory. He warned that firms found violating the directive would face financial penalties.
In addition to work-from-home norms, offices have been advised to introduce flexible and staggered working hours to minimise peak-hour traffic. Mishra explained that employees travelling from similar locations should not be required to arrive and depart at the same time, as staggered schedules can significantly reduce congestion and pollution during rush hours.
Alongside workplace restrictions, the government has also announced financial relief for construction workers affected by pollution-control measures. With GRAP III restrictions already in force for over two weeks and GRAP IV now being implemented, many construction activities have been halted, leaving daily-wage workers without income.
Addressing a press conference, Mishra said construction workers registered with the government will receive Rs 10,000 as compensation for the period during which work remained suspended under GRAP III. He added that similar assistance would be extended for the duration of GRAP IV as well, and the registration process for eligible workers is currently underway.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality showed marginal improvement on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 328 from 377 the previous day. Despite this slight relief, the city continued to remain under a thick layer of smog.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app showed that 30 out of 40 monitoring stations in Delhi recorded air quality in the ‘very poor’ category. The worst conditions were reported in Bawana, where the AQI touched 376.
