Delhi LG implements staggered timings for govt offices amid severe air pollution

Delhi LG implements staggered office timings amid severe air pollution

In response to the ongoing severe air pollution in the city, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) has announced the implementation of staggered office timings as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The new schedule will apply to all government offices in Delhi, including those under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD), in an effort to reduce vehicular emissions during peak traffic hours and mitigate the impact of air pollution.

This new schedule will apply to all offices under the Government of NCT of Delhi and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) until February 28, 2025.

Under the new timings, MCD offices will operate from 8:30 am to 5 pm, while GNCTD offices will be open from 10 am to 6:30 pm.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court instructed all states in the National Capital Region (NCR) to immediately halt physical classes for students up to Class 12, citing the worsening air quality. The court also directed NCR governments to implement the measures outlined in GRAP Stage IV and report them before the next hearing.

Under GRAP Stage IV restrictions:

1. NCR governments and GNCTD may opt for online classes instead of in-person lessons for students in classes VI–IX and XI.

2. They will also decide whether to allow 50% of employees in government, municipal, and private offices to work from home.

3. Diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV or lower) registered in Delhi will be banned, except for those carrying essential goods.

4. Trucks entering Delhi will be restricted to those transporting essential goods, services, or using cleaner fuels such as LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.

5. Construction and demolition activities, including linear public projects like highways and power transmission, will be banned, as outlined in GRAP Stage III.

6. State governments may consider additional emergency measures, such as closing educational institutions and non-essential commercial activities, or implementing an odd-even vehicle scheme.

7. The Central Government will decide whether to allow its employees to work from home during this period.