Delhi Government Orders 50% of its Employees to Work From Home Amid Pollution
1. Aakhir Tak – In Shorts
- Due to rising pollution levels in Delhi, the AAP government has directed 50% of its employees to work from home (work from home delhi).
- Delhi’s AQI has reached the “severe” category.
- The Lieutenant Governor has implemented staggered office timings for all government employees.
- Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented.
- The Environment Minister has requested artificial rain from the central government.
2. Aakhir Tak – In Depth
Amidst the worsening air pollution crisis in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has taken a significant step. The government has ordered 50% of its employees to work from home. Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced this via a tweet, stating it’s a measure to reduce pollution. A meeting with officials will be held at 1 pm today in the Secretariat to discuss implementation details.
Delhi’s AQI and GRAP
On Wednesday morning, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 422, falling into the “severe” category. In response to this alarming situation, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, V.K. Saxena, directed the implementation of staggered office timings for all government employees on Tuesday. Revised timings will be in effect for all Delhi government and MCD offices. MCD offices will operate from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, while Delhi government offices will function from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. This order will remain in effect until February 28, 2025.
This high AQI has triggered Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the strictest measure to combat hazardous pollution. This includes restrictions on non-essential vehicles, a halt to construction on public projects, and a ban on truck entry, except for those carrying essential items or using fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric power.
Request to the Central Government
On Tuesday, Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, wrote to the central government, requesting approval for artificial rain in the city to combat the worsening air quality. He also requested a meeting with experts from IIT Kanpur and union government agencies to discuss the issue. This action is a crucial step in tackling the escalating pollution levels.
3. Key Takeaways to Remember
The Delhi government has ordered 50% of its employees to work from home due to severe air pollution. Delhi’s AQI is in the “severe” category, and Stage IV of GRAP is in effect. The government is requesting artificial rain from the central government to address the crisis. This is a significant step in combating the pollution.
