Delhi-NCR has moved into a sharper phase of pollution control, with authorities advancing the 50% work-from-home (WFH) recommendation as air quality remains trapped in the “very poor” to “severe” bracket. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has shifted the WFH advisory from Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to Stage 3, accelerating action in response to the deteriorating air.
The decision, issued on November 21, pushes state governments and the Delhi administration to activate mobility-reducing measures much earlier than before.
WFH and Staggered Office Timings Come Into Force
Following the directive, the Delhi government on Saturday advised private offices to function with only half their staff on site, while the rest work remotely. Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said implementation of pollution-control measures is being monitored round the clock. Government and civic offices have already begun staggered timings to ease peak-hour congestion.
Stage 3 has remained active in Delhi since November 11. In this period, officials have conducted more than 1,200 inspections at industrial and construction sites, resulting in over 200 show-cause notices and around 50 closure orders for violations.
Mobility Restrictions Triggered Earlier
Officials say early activation of mobility restrictions is essential during prolonged “severe” pollution spells, as they can meaningfully reduce traffic emissions. With the latest shift, several curbs earlier listed under Stage 2 (AQI 301–400) will now apply from Stage 1 itself (AQI 201–300). These include uninterrupted power supply to prevent diesel generator use, increased deployment at traffic choke points, and advisories urging people to limit exposure.
Under the updated plan finalised in a GRAP subcommittee meeting on November 20, states have been told to immediately revise their action plans. CAQM’s updated recommendations were placed before the Supreme Court, which had recently criticised delayed interventions and asked for proactive measures.
More Adjustments Expected
The Centre may also revise office timings for its staff in Delhi-NCR. The advanced 50% attendance rule means states will now take earlier decisions on WFH for public, municipal and private offices. CAQM’s notification states that NCR state governments and the Delhi administration “shall take a decision on allowing offices to operate at 50% strength, with the rest working from home”.
AQI Remains in ‘Very Poor’ Category
Clear skies on Saturday morning did little to improve Delhi’s air. The 24-hour average AQI stood at 370, firmly in the “very poor” range and edging towards the “severe” level of 401+. This was slightly higher than Friday evening’s reading of 391.
Ghaziabad and Baghpat continued to be among the most polluted cities in the country, recording AQI levels of 434 and 403 respectively.
Delhi minimum temperature at Safdarjung was 11.8°C, marginally above normal. The maximum temperature was 27.3°C, and the India Meteorological Department expects mainly clear skies with shallow morning fog over the coming days.