In a decisive move to combat Delhi’s worsening air quality, Chief Minister Atishi has announced staggered working hours for government offices across the capital. This initiative aims to ease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution as the city continues to grapple with hazardous air quality, which has remained in the “severe” category for the past three days.
On Friday morning, Delhi woke up to the imposition of GRAP Stage III restrictions by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained at an alarming 411, well within the “severe” range of 400-500. The AQI readings have been steadily climbing, exacerbating the already dire air quality situation in the national capital.
Under the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) guidelines, Delhi is categorized into four stages based on the AQI:
- Stage 1: AQI between 201 and 300, categorized as “poor”
- Stage 2: AQI between 301 and 400, categorized as “very poor”
- Stage 3: AQI between 401 and 450, categorized as “severe”
- Stage 4: AQI above 450, categorized as “severe plus”
Along with the poor air quality, Delhi also experienced a thick fog that reduced visibility to just 400 meters in several areas, including Safdarjung. The weather department recorded the city’s lowest minimum temperature of the season so far — 15.6°C — further compounding the discomfort for residents.
In response to the worsening conditions, CM Atishi announced the following staggered office timings aimed at reducing vehicular emissions, which are among the largest contributors to the city’s air pollution:
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Central Government Offices: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Delhi Government Offices: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
These changes are designed to ease peak-hour traffic, thereby reducing the volume of pollutants in the air. This move is part of a broader strategy to curb the emissions from transport, which is a major factor in the city’s poor air quality.
Additional GRAP Stage III Restrictions:
Along with the staggered office timings, several other GRAP Stage III measures have been put in place, including:
- A ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities
- Closure of stone crushers and mining activities within Delhi-NCR
- Prohibition of inter-state buses from NCR states, except for electric, CNG, and BS-VI compliant diesel buses
Should the AQI continue to worsen and cross the Stage III threshold, the government is prepared to implement Stage IV restrictions, which could include:
- A complete ban on all construction and demolition activities
- A halt on mining activities in Delhi-NCR
- A shift to online classes for students up to Class V
- Daily water sprinkling on major roads to reduce dust pollution
As Delhi faces another season of poor air quality, authorities are taking every measure to reduce emissions and protect the health of residents. The government is urging citizens to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, especially during the peak hours of pollution.
The measures reflect Delhi’s ongoing battle against the rising air pollution levels, with a particular focus on reducing vehicular emissions and large-scale construction activities. The city government has also been urging citizens to adopt greener practices and reduce their carbon footprint as part of the effort to improve air quality in the long term.