As air quality dropped to the 'very poor' category in the national capital, the Delhi government implemented GRAP III guidelines, enforcing 50 per cent staff strength at government and private offices; the rest of the staff will work from home.
According to an order issued by the environment department, all administrative secretaries and heads of departments will attend office regularly, and not more than 50 per cent of staff strength should be physically present in the office. The remaining will work from home, the order said.
The Delhi government has mandated work from home for 50 pc staff in private offices. "Since the vehicular pollution would cause extensive air pollution and release harmful air pollutants, particularly when air quality is very poor and it is felt that there needs to be more curbs on vehicular movement. The Government of NCT of Delhi is required to take necessary measures to reduce emissions arising from transport and office-related activities during GRAP Stage III," it said.
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The Delhi government's move comes amidst raging protests and deteriorating air quality levels in the national capital. As per the Centre for Air Quality Management, Delhi's AQI was 382 at 4pm on Monday. The Delhi police on Sunday arrested 17 people for protesting at India Gate over poor air quality in the national capital.
A Delhi court on Monday sent the accused to three days of judicial custody. Five among the protesters for raising slogans hailing slain Maoist leader Madvi Hidma. A few protesters also used pepper spray against police personnel.
