Delhi NCR

Pollution impact: Delhi ministers order half workforce to work from home

Published by
PTI

With air quality worsening in the national capital, Delhi Environment Manjinder Singh Sirsa has ordered 50 per cent of the workforce in his departments to work from home, official sources said on Friday.

Under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), invoked when the AQI falls in the “severe” category (401-450), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has asked the Delhi government and other NCR state governments to decide on allowing public, municipal and private offices to operate at 50 per cent staff strength, with the rest working from home.

“Going by CAQM guidelines on air quality, heads of departments are free to take decisions regarding allowing work from home. Essential services will not be covered in this,” a government official said.

Transport Minister Pankaj Singh has also directed his departments, including health and family welfare, and information technology, to work from home.

Besides the environment, Sirsa holds the portfolios of food and civil supplies, industries and forest and wildlife.

The Centre may also permit work-from-home for its employees, according to the revised GRAP schedule.

Delhi’s air quality remained toxic and in the “very poor” category on Friday, with the AQI settling at 373 at 4 pm as a thick smog blanketed the city’s skies, reducing visibility and causing breathing difficulties to many.

PTI

Published by
PTI
Tags: delhi

Recent Posts

UP to run additional buses from Delhi to Purvanchal for Chhath, CM directs crowd-control measures

Uttar Pradesh government will run additional buses from Delhi to eastern districts ahead of Chhath…

November 14, 2026

AQI in Delhi settles at 348 in very poor category, likely to worsen

Delhi recorded an AQI of 348 on Saturday morning, with seven monitoring stations reporting severe…

November 14, 2026

“Where the Forest Dreams…”: A solo exhibition by Ganapati Hegde

The exhibition explores the biodiversity of coastal Karnataka and the Western Ghats through imaginative paintings…

November 13, 2026

Seven Old Delhi bazaars that dress up the festive season

Exploring the historic lanes of Shahjahanabad where trade, tradition and celebrations intersect

November 13, 2026

Children’s Day: 7 classic books that continue to capture young imaginations

From magical adventures and unforgettable characters to stories of friendship, courage and self-discovery, these timeless…

November 13, 2026

Delhi Traffic Police to step up vehicle restriction efforts under GRAP

Delhi Traffic Police will intensify border and route checks to stop vehicles violating GRAP pollution…

November 13, 2026