Delhi implements work-from-home for 50% govt employees as AQI remains ‘severe’

NEW DELHI: Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai announced on Wednesday that the government has decided to implement work-from-home arrangements for 50% of its employees to curb rising pollution levels.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rai said the decision was part of the government’s measures to mitigate the ongoing air quality crisis, with Delhi's AQI remaining in the ‘severe’ category for two consecutive days.


The capital recorded an average AQI of 460 on Tuesday, a slight dip from Monday’s reading of 494 — the second-highest on record. However, experts warned that pollution levels are unlikely to improve significantly in the coming days due to low wind speed and high moisture.

Check Delhi AQI here

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has enforced its highest Stage IV measures, including a ban on construction activities and restrictions on truck entries, except for essential services. Despite these efforts, Delhi’s air remained the dirtiest in NCR, with neighboring cities like Ghaziabad (434 AQI), Gurgaon (402 AQI), and Noida (370 AQI) faring slightly better.
According to the India Meteorological Department, fog and mist are expected to persist, contributing to the trapping of pollutants. The IITM bulletin forecasts AQI levels to remain in the severe range until November 22, with only marginal relief anticipated in subsequent days.



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