Delhi gasps for breath as pollution forces 50% office attendance rule

New DelhiI: The Delhi Labour Department has announced that only 50 percent of staff will be allowed to attend offices and business establishments across the national capital from December 18, with the remaining employees required to work from home.

The move comes as part of tighter restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to curb rising air pollution levels.

Offices have also been advised to introduce flexible working hours to reduce peak-time congestion and vehicular emissions. However, essential services such as jails, health services, public transport, electricity supply and other critical departments have been exempted from these restrictions to ensure uninterrupted operations.

In relief for daily wage earners, the department said registered construction workers will receive ₹10,000 as compensation for loss of work during the period when construction activity was halted under GRAP Stage 3. Construction had remained suspended for 16 days during this phase. Compensation linked to GRAP Stage 4 restrictions will be calculated once the curbs are lifted.

Officials added that the registration portal for construction workers remains open, allowing more workers to enrol and become eligible for financial assistance.

The announcement comes even as Delhi’s air quality showed marginal improvement on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 328. Despite the slight dip, air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with dense smog continuing to affect visibility across several parts of the city.

Authorities have indicated that restrictions will remain in place until pollution levels show sustained improvement, urging residents to minimise outdoor activity and follow advisories aimed at reducing exposure to hazardous air.