The situation in Delhi, the national capital of India, is worsening due to severe air pollution. The air has become toxic, making it difficult for residents to breathe even in open spaces. On Wednesday, several areas of Delhi were engulfed in smog, while on Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a hazardous level of 500 in some parts of the city. Despite various measures being taken to curb pollution, the efforts have proven futile. Amid this crisis, the Delhi government has taken a significant step for its employees.
GRAP Stage IV Implemented, Yet No Improvement
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in its Stage IV in Delhi, but the situation remains grim, with conditions deteriorating further. This year, air pollution in Delhi has broken previous records, with the current situation being the worst since 2019. On Tuesday, the AQI in several areas of Delhi hit 500, marking an alarming level of air quality. In light of this severe crisis, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai has announced a major decision.
50% of Government Employees to Work From Home
To address the severe air pollution, the Delhi government has decided to implement work from home for 50% of its employees. The announcement was made by Environment Minister Gopal Rai via an X (formerly Twitter) post. He stated, “To reduce pollution, the Delhi government has decided that 50% of employees in government offices will work from home.” A meeting with officials has been scheduled at the Secretariat at 1 PM to discuss the implementation of this decision.
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Toxic Air Makes Breathing Difficult for Residents
The toxic air in Delhi is causing numerous health issues for residents. People are experiencing breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. The pollution is especially dangerous for children and the elderly. Symptoms such as eye itching, redness, dryness, and excessive tearing have become common. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such polluted air could also increase the risk of infertility.
Delhi Government Prepares for Odd-Even Rule
After the AQI in Delhi crossed 450 on Sunday, the Delhi government directed the implementation of GRAP Stage IV from Monday, which falls under the “Severe+” category. Several stringent measures are being enforced under this plan in hopes of reducing pollution levels and providing relief to residents. However, no significant improvement has been observed so far. The Odd-Even vehicle scheme now seems to be the last resort to control the pollution in the city.