New Delhi: The Delhi government has directed all government and private offices in the city to operate with only 50 percent staff on site as the air quality continues to worsen. The remaining employees have been asked to work from home until pollution levels improve.

The order was issued under the Environment Protection Act as air pollution in the capital moved into the very poor and severe categories.

Several monitoring stations reported AQI levels above 400, prompting authorities to activate stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan.

Essential services such as hospitals, power and water supply, fire and emergency departments, public transport and sanitation have been exempted from the rule. The government has also advised offices to use staggered work hours to reduce traffic during peak times.

Officials said the move aims to cut down vehicular emissions, which contribute significantly to Delhi’s pollution during winter. They added that enforcement teams will monitor compliance and action may be taken against violators.

The order will remain in place as long as Delhi stays under Stage Three of the pollution control plan. Authorities are closely watching air quality trends to decide the next steps.

Residents have been advised to limit outdoor activities, especially during the morning and evening hours when pollution peaks. Authorities noted that weather conditions, along with emissions from vehicles and dust, continue to trap polluted air over the city.