New Delhi: India’s capital Delhi has imposed stricter emergency measures after air pollution levels climbed deeper into the severe category, raising serious health concerns for millions of residents.
Authorities on Tuesday activated Stage Four of the Graded Response Action Plan, the highest level of pollution control, as the air quality index stayed well above safe limits. Officials said the measures are aimed at reducing vehicle emissions, limiting human movement and cutting dust and industrial pollution during the peak winter smog period.
Under the new restrictions, all government and private offices in Delhi have been directed to operate with only 50 percent physical attendance. The remaining staff must work from home until further notice. Essential services such as hospitals, police, electricity and public utilities have been exempted from this rule.
Vehicle restrictions have also been tightened. Older and more polluting vehicles have been barred from operating in the city, and enforcement teams have stepped up checks at major roads and fuel stations. Vehicles without valid pollution certificates are being denied fuel, while heavy fines are being imposed on those violating emission and entry rules.
Construction and demolition activities across the city have been suspended to control dust pollution. To support workers affected by the shutdown, the government has announced a one time compensation payment for daily wage construction labourers who have lost income due to the ban.
Schools have shifted to online or hybrid classes for younger students, with authorities advising parents to keep children indoors as much as possible. Health officials have warned that prolonged exposure to the current air quality can worsen respiratory and heart conditions, especially among children, the elderly and people with existing illnesses.
The pollution spike has also drawn international attention, with several foreign governments issuing health advisories to their citizens living in or travelling to Delhi. Neighbouring areas in the National Capital Region are facing similar conditions and have introduced parallel restrictions.
Experts say the annual winter smog is driven by a mix of vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust and smoke from crop residue burning in nearby states, combined with low wind speeds that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Officials have said the emergency measures will remain in force until air quality shows sustained improvement. Residents have been urged to limit outdoor activity, use public transport where allowed and cooperate with enforcement agencies as the city battles one of its most severe pollution episodes this season.