Delhi Braces for Toxic Air: 50% Staff, WFH, and Reduced Commutes

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In a bid to combat the hazardous air quality in the national capital, the Delhi government has issued an order requiring all private offices to operate with no more than 50% staff physically present at the workplace. The remaining employees will be working remotely. This order, issued by the Department of Environment & Forests, also encourages private offices to implement staggered working hours and minimize vehicular movement associated with office commutes. Hospitals, public health facilities, emergency services, and other essential services are exempt from this directive. The order comes as Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor,' with an overall AQI of 382 on Monday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 15 monitoring stations recorded readings beyond the 400-mark. As per CPCB standards, an AQI between 0-50 is 'good,' 51-100 'satisfactory,' 101-200 'moderate,' 201-300 'poor,' 301-400 'very poor,' and 401-500 'severe.' The Delhi government has been implementing various pollution-control measures, including stage 3 of Grap, which has been in force since November 11. The city has also enforced staggered timings for MCD and GNCTD offices to reduce peak-hour traffic emissions.