New Delhi: In a decisive move to combat the national capital's worsening air quality, the Delhi government on Wednesday mandated that all government and private companies must operate at 50 per cent capacity, with the remainder of the staff working from home. The administration issued a stern warning alongside the directive, stating that any organization found violating these work-from-home protocols will face financial penalties.
The stringent measure comes after Delhi witnessed its air quality plunge into the 'severe plus' category earlier this week, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a hazardous 498 on December 15. The toxic smog, which caused near-zero visibility leading to flight delays and road accidents, prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). While the AQI showed marginal improvement dropping to 329 on Wednesday, the administration has decided to maintain the strictest level of anti-pollution restrictions across the National Capital Region.
To support those economically impacted by the curbs, the government announced a compensation of Rs 10,000 for registered construction workers who are currently out of work due to the total ban on construction activities. Educational adjustments have also been mandated, with schools directed to adopt a hybrid mode combining physical and online classes for students in Classes 6 to 9. Simultaneously, vehicular restrictions are being tightened, including a ban on non-Delhi registered vehicles below BS-VI standards and a prohibition on fuel sales to vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
Amidst these emergency measures, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa addressed the public with a candid admission regarding the administration's limitations. Offering a partial apology, Sirsa stressed that the pollution crisis is a long-standing issue, asserting that it is impossible for any government to completely eradicate such a deep-rooted problem within a span of just nine to ten months.