Delhi’s condition is miserable due to pollution, GRAP-4 implemented, rules changed for schools…50% staff work from home

New Delhi : After air pollution in Delhi-NCR continues to reach dangerous levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented GRAP-4. In many areas, AQI has crossed 400, making even breathing difficult. In view of this serious situation, Delhi government has issued strict instructions for government and private offices. The objective of these orders is to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and to control the major causes of pollution.

New order for government and private offices
Let us tell you that as soon as GRAP-4 is implemented, a new order has been issued regarding work from home for offices under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. According to this, only 50 percent employees will be present in the office in all the offices of Delhi Government, while the remaining employees will have to work from home. The same rule will also apply to private offices operating in Delhi. The government believes that this will reduce the number of vehicles traveling to and from office and will help in controlling the pollution level.

Responsibility of administrative officers
However, the government has also clarified that all administrative secretaries and department heads will be present in the office regularly. If needed, they can call any officer or employee to the office. Its purpose is to ensure that essential administrative work is not affected, while the presence of general employees is kept limited.

Hybrid mode arrangement in schools
Due to GRAP-4, the Directorate of Education has also taken a big decision. According to the circular issued, education will be conducted in hybrid mode for students up to class 9th and class 11th in government, aided, private recognized schools and schools under NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board. This means that where online facility is available, students will be able to study both online and offline. This arrangement will remain in force till further orders.

Government’s emphasis on children’s health
The government has appealed to the parents to give priority to the health of their children and cooperate with the administration. Due to increasing pollution, children, elderly and sick people are most at risk. For this reason, instead of conducting completely offline classes in schools, hybrid model has been adopted.

relief to essential services
Under GRAP-4, while many activities have been banned, essential services have also been exempted. Hospitals, police, fire and other essential services will continue to function as before. Apart from this, ban on construction works, ban on entry of non-essential trucks and other strict measures have also been implemented.

Appeal for cooperation from citizens
The government and CAQM have appealed to citizens not to go out unnecessarily, avoid using private vehicles and follow the guidelines issued. Until air quality improves, it is in everyone’s interest to strictly follow these measures. The purpose of GRAP-4 is not to impose restrictions on anyone, but to provide relief to the people of Delhi-NCR from poisonous air.