Gurugram Urges Companies to Implement Work-From-Home for 50% of Employees Amid Pollution Crisis

The Gurugram administration has asked private companies to allow 50% of their employees to work from home starting November 20, 2024. This decision comes as a response to the severe air pollution affecting Delhi and the NCR region, with air quality reaching critical levels. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has improved slightly to 460 from a staggering 490 the day before, but the situation remains dire.

The directive, issued by Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4), is part of broader efforts to reduce pollution’s impact. These measures include halting construction activities, banning garbage burning, and restricting vehicle use. Companies have been urged to support these temporary measures until the environment sees noticeable improvement.

In addition, the Delhi government is considering unconventional methods, such as artificial rain, to combat pollution and enhance air quality further. These collective efforts aim to address the immediate public health risks posed by the hazardous air.