New Delhi: With air pollution worsening for the ninth consecutive day, the Delhi government has issued a fresh Work From Home (WFH) advisory for all private offices. The move comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to remain in the Very Poor category, prompting authorities to initiate strict emergency measures.

According to the advisory, all private companies have been asked to ensure that 50% of their workforce works from home until further orders. The step aims to reduce traffic on roads and cut down vehicle-related emissions, which are among the major contributors to Delhi’s toxic smog.

Govt Issues WFH Advisory for Private Offices

The Delhi government said the WFH directive is an immediate cautionary step to control rising pollution levels. Officials stated that reducing office-bound movement of employees would help lower congestion and emissions during peak hours.

Authorities have urged companies to strictly comply with the 50% WFH norm to support the city’s pollution-reduction efforts.

GRAP-3 and CAQM Trigger Stricter Curbs

The new advisory is part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3, which is activated when pollution levels reach “Severe” conditions. The measure follows a formal order from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which tightened controls in line with the Supreme Court’s recent directives calling for immediate action to tackle hazardous air quality.

Under GRAP-3, multiple restrictions automatically come into force across Delhi-NCR.

Other GRAP-3 Restrictions Now in Effect

• Ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities
• Shutdown of brick kilns, hot-mix plants, and stone crushers
• Ban on entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi
• Curbs on several industrial and vehicular pollution sources

Officials warned that the current pollution spike has created a public health emergency-like situation, forcing agencies to take aggressive action.

Health Concerns Mount as Air Quality Worsens

Doctors have repeatedly cautioned that prolonged exposure to toxic air can trigger breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, asthma attacks, and long-term respiratory diseases. Citizens have been advised to limit outdoor movement and use N95 masks when stepping outside.