In a bid to tackle the persistent traffic woes and rising pollution levels, Delhi has announced a change in office timings for various departments. This decision was shared by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on X. As per the new directive, government offices in Delhi will follow different working hours during peak times to help minimize traffic congestion and air pollution. The order has already taken effect.
Under this new protocol, Municipal Corporation of Delhi employees will now work from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Central government employees will clock in from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, while employees in other Delhi government departments will have office hours from 10 AM to 6:30 PM. This initiative aims to reduce vehicle congestion on the roads, minimize pollution caused by dust and smoke, and relieve workers from traffic jams during peak hours.
Vehicle emissions have been identified as a significant factor in Delhi's air pollution crisis. Despite bans on stubble burning and fireworks, the city's air quality continues to deteriorate. According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), vehicular emissions account for an estimated 13.3% of Delhi's pollution crisis. The third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is already in effect in the city. Under this plan, there are strict bans on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheeler vehicles, and a halt on construction activities is enforced. Despite these measures, the city's air quality levels have reached the severe category, with the AQI exceeding 400.
Such high levels of pollution pose a heightened risk of developing respiratory and cardiac diseases even in healthy individuals. According to doctors, breathing air with an AQI between 400-500 is akin to smoking 30 cigarettes a day. In light of this, the Delhi government has increased the number of Delhi Metro trips to 60 from Monday to Friday. There is also a plan to introduce more electric buses on the roads. The government has urged the public to opt for public transportation and avoid using private vehicles as long as the pollution crisis persists.
