Delhi govt mandates 50% work-from-home as GRAP IV curbs kick in amid severe air pollution

As Delhi grappled with a severe air pollution crisis, the government directed all organisations—both public and private—to operate with 50 per cent of their workforce working from home, warning that violations of the order would invite penalties.

The capital recorded some of its worst air quality levels this season on December 15, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 498 in the ‘severe plus’ category during the morning hours.

VIDEO | Addressing a press conference, Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) says, "All private offices functioning within NCT Delhi shall operate not more than 50 per cent staff capacity attending the workplace. The remaining staff shall mandatorily work from home."… pic.twitter.com/vFzoBz297Q

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 17, 2025

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the sharp deterioration followed a similar trend a day earlier, when air quality first slipped into the ‘severe’ category before worsening further. In response to the alarming situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed GRAP IV—the strictest set of anti-pollution measures—across Delhi.

Under the current curbs, construction activities have been suspended. To address the impact on livelihoods, the Delhi government announced a compensation of ₹10,000 for registered construction workers who are unable to work due to the ban.

Dense smog blanketed the city from Saturday through Monday, leading to reduced visibility, a spate of road accidents, vehicle pile-ups, and widespread flight cancellations and delays. With visibility dropping sharply, Delhi airport and airlines issued multiple advisories to passengers. After three days of hazardous conditions, the city saw marginal improvement on Tuesday as stronger winds and thinning fog helped push air quality into the ‘very poor’ category. This trend continued into Wednesday morning, with the AQI dropping further to 329.

GRAP IV entails a five-point action plan enforced across the entire National Capital Region, including Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad.

As part of these measures, the Delhi government has barred the entry of non-Delhi vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards. Additionally, vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates have been denied fuel at petrol pumps.

Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa issued what he described as a half-apology, stating that no government can eliminate pollution in the capital within nine to 10 months.