Amid a sharp increase in pollution levels in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party government has instructed 50% of its employees to work from home.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the decision on Twitter, stating, "To reduce pollution, the Delhi government decided to implement work from home in government offices. 50% of employees will work from home. For its implementation, a meeting will be held with the officials at 1 pm today in the Secretariat."

Earlier, the Delhi government announced phased out office timings for its offices and the MCD. The timings of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices were fixed from 8.30 am to 5 pm, while that of Delhi government offices were 10 am to 6.30 pm.

Severe Air Pollution Grips Delhi and NCR

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) continue to experience dangerously high levels of air pollution, raising serious health and safety concerns.

Delhi recorded a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 460 at 4 PM on Tuesday, slightly lower than the record-high 494 reported on Monday, but still falling within the "severe-plus" category. On the AQI scale, readings between 401 and 450 are categorized as "severe," while those between 451 and 500 are classified as "severe-plus," with the scale maxing out at 500.

Emergency Measures and Forecast

The city's AQI has been severe on six of the past seven days, as per the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). It was 441 on Sunday, 417 on Monday, 396 on November 15, 424 on November 14 and 418 on November 13.

The high AQI has triggered Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, the strictest measure to address hazardous pollution. The measures include a ban on truck entry, except for those carrying essential items or using fuels such as LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric power. Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also banned unless they run on CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity. Construction at public projects has been stopped.

The situation seems grim and there would be little respite for the city over at least the next three days according to weather forecasters. The worsening air quality underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of pollution control measures.