In a bid to combat the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi, the Delhi government has announced that 50% of its staff will work from home. This decision was made in light of the deteriorating air quality, which has reached severe and severe-plus levels.
The move comes after the implementation of staggered office timings for government offices and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). However, with air quality remaining dangerously high, the government has opted for a more stringent measure to reduce pollution.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such severe air pollution can lead to a range of health problems, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported that the city’s air quality has been severe on six of the past seven days.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed stricter pollution control measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes a ban on construction activities and the closure of schools for most students.
With little relief expected in the coming days, the Delhi government’s decision to implement work-from-home is a significant step to mitigate the impact of air pollution on public health and the environment.
