Delhi Government Mandates Hybrid Work Model for Private Offices Amidst Worsening Air Quality
New Delhi: In response to persistently “very poor” air quality, the Delhi government has directed private offices to shift to a hybrid work model, allowing a maximum of 50% of staff to work on-site. The remaining employees are to work remotely, effective immediately. This measure is being implemented as part of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), following guidance from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 370 on Saturday, marking the ninth consecutive day of “very poor” air quality as measured by the Central Pollution Control Board. Eleven monitoring stations across the city recorded readings in the “severe” category.
The government advisory requires private offices to widely communicate these guidelines and ensure their implementation across all branches.
GRAP is a multi-tiered system designed to address air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, with restrictions escalating based on AQI levels.Stage I is activated when the AQI ranges from 201-300, Stage II from 301-400, and Stage III, currently in effect, when the AQI is between 401-450. Stage IV is triggered when the AQI exceeds 451.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated the government is taking GRAP Stage III measures “with full seriousness and round-the-clock monitoring,” with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable populations.
Along with the private office directive, the government has already implemented staggered office timings for its own departments and those under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) until February 2025, aiming to reduce peak-hour traffic and vehicle emissions. MCD offices will operate from 8:30 am to 5 pm, while Delhi government offices will function from 10 am to 6:30 pm.
Enforcement efforts are also underway, with over 2,000 personnel conducting inspections of construction sites and polluting units. To date, over 1,200 inspections have resulted in more then 200 show-cause notices and 50 closure orders for violating sites.
the government is urging citizens to refrain from open burning of waste and biomass, remain vigilant about dust pollution, and report violations via the Green Delhi app. Minister sirsa emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling air pollution, stating, “These restrictions are part of an intensified implementation of pollution-control measures. Delhi is acting with urgency and duty.”
