Delhi Smog Crisis: 50% Work-From-Home Mandated For Offices; Strict Penalties For Non-Compliance
Delhi mandated 50% work-from-home for all offices as air quality hits 'Severe+'. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa warns of fines up to Rs 5 lakh. Read rules.
by Zee Media Bureau · Zee NewsIn the midst of an historical air quality emergency, the Delhi government has mandated that all governmental and private organizations begin operating on only 50% staff presence while the rest of the employee base transitions to work-from-home schedules. This measure, intended to alleviate traffic, will come with severe penalties for any organization caught violating the directive.
The national capital is reeling under a toxic air quality, with December 15th seeing a "Severe Plus" Air Quality Index (AQI) of 498. In a bid to tackle air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) applied GRAP-IV, which is an unprecedented level of air quality restriction, thereby continuing it in Delhi NCR.
Financial Assistance For Construction Workers
Realising the effects of the ban on the economy due to environmental pollution, the Delhi government has come up with a compensation plan.
Direct Benefit: All construction workers who have been registered will get a one-time relief of ₹10,000.
Rationale: The purpose of this action is to help the thousands of daily wage earners who are currently unemployed because of the forced stoppage of the construction industry in accordance with GRAP-IV directives.
AQI Trends: Marginal Breather
Though the city was categorized under “Severe Plus” pollution for three days, with the AQI touching almost the mark of 500 from December 14 to 16, the city did get a minor respite on December 17, which was a Wednesday.
Present Situation: Increased surface wind speed along with reduction in fog has led to the overall AQI entering ‘Very Poor’ levels (measured to be 328-329 as of 8 AM).
Previous Highest: Not long ago, locations such as Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur had recorded the highest possible AQI value of 500, rendering Delhi's vision almost impossible because of the toxic smog.
Travel and Safety Impact
The choking smog from Saturday through Monday resulted in huge disruptions to regional connectivity and security:
Road Safety: Cases of multiple vehicle collisions and road accidents were reported as a consequence of the near-zero visibility caused by the fog.
Aviation & Rail: Major warnings were circulated by the Delhi Airport and the airlines as flights were delayed or cancelled, and train services were also severely affected.
Ongoing Restrictions: Although there has been a slight easing of restrictions, GRAP-IV restrictions, which include banning polluting trucks and non-essential commercial activities, continue to be enforced.