The Delhi government has taken decisive action against the capital's deteriorating air quality crisis by ordering private offices to operate with only half their regular workforce. This emergency measure comes as the city's air quality index (AQI) continues to hover in the 'very poor' category, posing significant health risks to residents.
Emergency Measures Activated Across National Capital Region
According to the official directive issued on Sunday, all private offices and establishments in Delhi must now function with just 50% of their staff strength. The remaining employees are expected to work from home, reducing both vehicular emissions and human exposure to toxic air. This restriction forms part of the Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which has been activated across the entire National Capital Region (NCR).
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) made the decision to implement these stricter measures after carefully reviewing the alarming air quality situation. Delhi's AQI reading of 346 on Sunday morning firmly placed the city in the 'very poor' category, triggering immediate regulatory action. The air quality monitoring agency emphasized that these restrictions would remain in force until further orders, subject to continuous assessment of pollution levels.
Comprehensive Ban on Polluting Activities
Beyond the staff reduction mandate, the GRAP Stage III implementation brings several other significant restrictions. All construction and demolition activities have been completely banned throughout the NCR, with only essential projects related to national security, defense, railways, and metro services receiving exemptions. This sweeping prohibition aims to address one of the major contributors to particulate matter pollution in the region.
The ban extends to specific types of construction work that generate high levels of dust pollution, including earthwork excavations, structural construction, demolition activities, and material handling operations. Even site preparation, transfer of raw materials, and loading/unloading of construction materials fall under the restricted activities. The only exceptions apply to non-dust generating activities such as plumbing, electrical works, carpentry, and interior decoration.
Additional Restrictions and Long-term Implications
The air quality emergency has also led to restrictions on industrial operations and vehicular movement. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers face complete prohibition from operating in Delhi and neighboring districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar. This measure specifically targets older, more polluting vehicles that significantly contribute to the capital's toxic air mix.
Several agencies including the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and urban local bodies have intensified their ground-level enforcement activities. Teams are conducting regular inspections at construction sites, industrial areas, and major traffic corridors to ensure compliance with the emergency measures. The government has also advised the general public to minimize outdoor activities and use masks when venturing outside, particularly for children, elderly citizens, and those with respiratory conditions.
The current air quality crisis underscores the persistent environmental challenges facing India's capital region, especially during the winter months when meteorological conditions trap pollutants close to the ground. The implementation of GRAP Stage III measures represents the government's escalating response to what has become an annual public health emergency affecting millions of residents across the NCR.
