Work from home in Delhi: Govt, private offices told to function at 50% strength, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• In response to CAQM advisory, Delhi government mandates 50% work-from-home for government and private offices.
• Order issued by Environment Department under Environment Protection Act, 1986, and GRAP.
• Staggered working hours to be implemented to reduce vehicular emissions.
• Essential services exempted from work-from-home mandate.

Detailed Insights:

• The order aims to reduce air pollution by curbing vehicular emissions during GRAP Stage III.
• Private offices must operate with a maximum of 50% staff physically present, with the remainder working from home.
• Government departments are also directed to follow the 50% work-from-home rule, with heads of departments retaining the authority to call staff for essential services.
• Exempted services include prisons, public transport, electricity, water, sanitation, disaster management, and pollution control agencies.
• CAQM revised the GRAP schedule, implementing measures like staggered timings and work-from-home at lower pollution levels.
• DMs, DCPs, and local bodies are responsible for ensuring compliance by all private offices within Delhi.

Key Concepts Involved:

• CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management): Main pollution control watchdog for the Delhi region.
• GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan): A set of measures to be implemented based on air quality levels.
• Environment Protection Act, 1986: Legislation providing a framework for environmental protection and improvement.