As Delhi chokes, 50% WFH must from Thursday; carpooling encouraged, Rs 10k announced for labourers

New Delhi: Amid alarming pollution levels in Delhi, government and private offices in the national capital have been asked to make work from home (WFH) mandatory for 50 per cent of its staff from Thursday. Stricter pollution norms under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4 came into effect in Delhi on Saturday as toxic air gripped the city.

A thick layer of smog engulfed Delhi on Wednesday as air quality in the city remained in 'very poor' category. The city recorded an AQI of 328 this morning.

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WFH for 50% staff

Addressing a press conference, Delhi minister Kapil Mishra directed government and private offices to operate with 50 per cent strength on site and to allow the remaining employees to work from home.

"From Thursday, only 50% attendance will be allowed. All establishments in Delhi must implement 50% work from home. This will be effective from Thursday," he added, warning of stern action if the directive is not followed.

He further said that the WFH norms will not be applicable to essential services such as healthcare, hospitals, fire services, prisons, and public transport. The Delhi minister also appealed to people to opt for carpooling.

Rs 10,000 for construction workers

Mishra also announced a compensation of Rs 10,000 to registered construction workers affected by the work stoppage under GRAP 3.

"GRAP 4 is currently in effect in Delhi. The Labour Department has taken some decisions. Construction was halted for 16 days during GRAP 3. Registered workers in Delhi will receive Rs 10,000 directly into their bank accounts from the Delhi government. This payment will continue even after GRAP 4 ends," he said.

What measures Delhi govt taking to curb pollution

Earlier this week, all government and private schools in Delhi were directed to hold classes until Class 11 (except Class 10) in hybrid mode - both physical and online. Besides, the government has also decided to ban the entry of all non-BS-VI vehicles from Thursday to check worsening air pollution in the city.  The Delhi government has also announced that vehicles that do not have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to buy fuel at petrol pumps across the city from Thursday.

GRAP 1 restrictions come into force when the AQI is between 201 and 300 (which is categorised as 'Poor'), GRAP 2 restrictions when it is between 301 and 400 ('Very Poor'), GRAP 3 between 401 and 450 ('Severe') and GRAP 4 when the AQI crosses 450 ('Severe Plus').

What's behind poor air quailty in Delhi

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the centre's anti-pollution panel, had earlier explained why Delhi is witnessing poor air quality. "This prevailing meteorological condition has (resulted in a) marked reduction in wind speed, at times becoming calm, a shift in wind direction from westerly to easterly, and an increase in moisture content in the lower atmosphere. Such conditions during the winter season are conducive to the formation of smog and fog, resulting in poor dispersion and trapping of pollutants near the surface. Owing to these adverse meteorological conditions, a sudden deterioration in air quality has been observed," it said.