Delhi has activated emergency measures to combat severe air pollution, mandating both government and private offices to operate with only half their regular staff strength. The decision comes as the capital's air quality index (AQI) continues to hover in the 'severe' category, posing significant health risks to residents.
Immediate Restrictions Implemented
The Delhi government has directed all private offices to function with 50% of their workforce attending physically, while the remaining employees must work from home. This measure forms part of the Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which automatically activates when air quality deteriorates to severe levels.
According to the official order, the restrictions apply to all private establishments operating within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The government has emphasized that compliance is mandatory and immediate, with no exceptions for any private organizations.
Comprehensive Pollution Control Measures
Beyond the office restrictions, authorities have implemented additional measures to control the worsening pollution situation. The Commission for Air Quality Management has directed the immediate closure of all primary classes in Delhi schools until air quality shows significant improvement.
The pollution control efforts extend to construction activities as well, with a complete ban imposed on all non-essential construction work across the region. Only critical projects related to national security, defense, railways, and metro services have been exempted from this restriction.
The air quality crisis has been attributed to multiple factors, including adverse meteorological conditions, vehicle emissions, and pollution from neighboring states. The situation typically worsens during winter months when temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground.
Health Implications and Public Response
Medical experts have expressed serious concerns about the health impact of prolonged exposure to severe air pollution. Doctors across Delhi hospitals have reported increased cases of respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, and breathing difficulties, particularly among children, elderly citizens, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The public health department has issued advisories recommending that people avoid outdoor activities, especially during morning and evening hours when pollution levels peak. Residents have been advised to wear N95 or equivalent masks when venturing outside and to use air purifiers indoors wherever possible.
Environmental activists have welcomed the government's decision but emphasize that these are temporary solutions. They stress the need for long-term strategies to address the root causes of Delhi's annual pollution crisis, including reducing dependency on fossil fuels, promoting public transportation, and controlling agricultural residue burning in neighboring states.
The effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored in the coming days as authorities assess whether additional restrictions under GRAP Stage IV need to be implemented if air quality fails to improve.
