Delhi’s Battle for Breath: As Smog Engulfs Capital, Work From Home Returns
The familiar grey haze has descended upon Delhi’s skyline, forcing authorities to implement emergency measures as the city grapples with a severe air quality crisis. In a significant move reminiscent of the pandemic era, the Delhi government has mandated a 50% work-from-home policy for its employees and issued a strong advisory for private offices to follow suit.
This directive is a critical component of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), activated as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) repeatedly breached the 450 mark, entering the ‘Severe Plus’ category. Air at this level is considered hazardous for all residents, not just those with pre-existing conditions.
GRAP Stage IV: Why the WFH Order Was Necessary
The implementation of GRAP Stage IV signifies a public health emergency. The primary goal of the 50% work-from-home order is to achieve an immediate and significant reduction in traffic on the roads. Key reasons for this measure include:
- Vehicular Emissions: Traffic is one of the top three contributors to Delhi’s toxic air, alongside stubble burning in neighbouring states and adverse weather conditions that trap pollutants.
- Reducing Exposure: By encouraging people to stay indoors, the government aims to minimize public exposure to harmful pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10.
- Emergency Response: This is a short-term, emergency action designed to prevent the air quality from deteriorating further.
Mandate for Government, Advisory for Private Sector
It is crucial to understand the distinction in the order. For all departments, bodies, and agencies of the Delhi government, the 50% work-from-home policy is a mandatory directive.
For private offices across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), this is a strong advisory. The government is urging businesses to adopt the hybrid model to contribute to the city-wide effort to control pollution.
Broader Impact and Public Reaction
For millions of commuters, the advisory brings relief from navigating the choking smog. The daily travel through air thick with pollutants is known to cause severe health issues, including respiratory distress, burning eyes, and fatigue.
However, businesses that have recently transitioned back to full-time in-office work must pivot again. The partial return to a WFH model revives challenges around maintaining collaboration and blurring the lines between professional and personal life. Environmental experts, while supporting the step, emphasize that it is a reactive measure—a ‘band-aid’ for a predictable, annual crisis that requires proactive, long-term solutions.
Other Measures to Combat the Pollution Crisis
The WFH advisory is being implemented alongside other stringent GRAP IV measures, including:
- A ban on the entry of all diesel trucks (except those carrying essential goods) into Delhi.
- A complete halt on all non-essential construction and demolition activities.
- The potential implementation of the odd-even car rationing scheme if the situation worsens.
As Delhi’s workforce logs in from home, the city holds its breath, hoping these combined efforts can provide a desperately needed respite. The fight is no longer about pandemic safety but for the fundamental right to breathe clean air.
