New Delhi : Delhi authorities have decided to bring forward several stronger pollution control measures as the city continues to struggle with very poor air quality. The Air Quality Index touched around 360 on Saturday morning, raising concerns about the health of residents.

The Commission for Air Quality Management announced that some actions usually kept for the highest stage of the Graded Response Action Plan will now be taken under Stage 3. This includes allowing government and private offices in Delhi NCR to operate with only half of their staff on site, while the remaining employees work from home. The Central government may also allow its staff to work from home if needed.

Other restrictions under Stage 3 remain in place. These include a ban on non essential construction and demolition work and limits on older vehicles that do not meet higher emission standards. Schools and colleges have been advised not to conduct outdoor sports or physical activities.

Officials said the decision was made because the pollution situation could worsen over the next few days. Weather conditions such as calm winds and lower temperatures are expected to trap pollutants near the ground, which may push the air quality into the severe category.

Experts have warned that pollution control measures often come too late and that earlier action is needed to prevent such sudden spikes. Some reports also said that visibility in parts of the city dropped below 200 metres as pollution levels increased.

Residents have been advised to avoid outdoor exercise, wear masks when stepping out and take extra care of children and the elderly as the city prepares for more days of unsafe air.