Delhi Government Enforces 50% Work-from-Home Policy Amid High Pollution Levels

In response to alarming air pollution levels, the Delhi government has mandated that all government and private offices operate with only 50% of their staff physically present, while the remaining employees will work from home. This directive, issued on November 24, 2025, falls under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is activated when air quality index (AQI) readings reach severe levels.

Delhi govt orders all NCT offices to run with 50% staff and permit work from home as pollution risesDelhi pollution: Govt orders work from home; private, govt offices to function at 50 % strengthThe Hindu

The order, issued by the Environment Department under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, applies to all establishments within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments are required to attend the office regularly, but they must ensure that no more than half of their staff is present at any time. Private offices are also required to comply with this 50% attendance cap, with enforcement efforts ramping up to protect community health.

The Hindu

The GRAP system categorizes air quality levels, with Stage III activated when AQI readings reach between 401 and 450. As part of this stage, additional restrictions include limitations on construction and demolition activities. The government has conducted over 1,200 inspections of construction and industrial units, issuing more than 200 show-cause notices and ordering the immediate shutdown of 50 polluting sites.

Delhi govt orders all NCT offices to run with 50% staff and permit work from home as pollution rises

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized the seriousness of the government's approach, stating that all GRAP III measures are being implemented with "full seriousness and round-the-clock monitoring." He urged residents to refrain from open burning of waste and to report pollution violations through the Green Delhi app. Sirsa described the restrictions as necessary for the intensified implementation of pollution-control measures, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Delhi govt orders all NCT offices to run with 50% staff and permit work from home as pollution risesDelhi pollution: Govt orders work from home; private, govt offices to function at 50 % strength

While the government has taken steps to address the pollution crisis, some critics argue that the measures may not be sufficient to tackle the underlying issues contributing to air quality deterioration. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of temporary work-from-home policies in achieving long-term improvements in air quality.

Delhi govt orders all NCT offices to run with 50% staff and permit work from home as pollution rises

The Delhi government is expected to continue monitoring air quality closely and may implement further measures if pollution levels do not improve. The current restrictions will remain in effect until February 2025, with ongoing assessments to determine the necessity of extending or modifying the measures based on air quality data.

Delhi govt orders all NCT offices to run with 50% staff and permit work from home as pollution rises

• “These restrictions are part of an intensified implementation of pollution-control measures. Delhi is acting with urgency and responsibility.” — Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Delhi Environment Minister

Delhi govt orders all NCT offices to run with 50% staff and permit work from home as pollution rises

• “Earlier, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government is implementing all GRAP III measures “with full seriousness and round-the-clock monitoring”.” — Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Delhi Environment Minister

Delhi govt orders all NCT offices to run with 50% staff and permit work from home as pollution rises