Delhi air pollution: Air quality moves to ‘severe’ category; visibility remains poor even as AQI level eases

Delhi's air quality worsens to 'severe' category, prompting work-from-home orders and vehicle checks under GRAP Stage IV.

The air quality in the national capital moved back into ‘severe’ category on Wednesday (November 20, 2024) morning as a thin blanket of smog covered parts of the city, reducing visibility and the quality of air touching a low level of air quality index (AQI).

The air quality index had been reeling under the ‘severe plus’ category for the past two consecutive days.

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According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) at 424 as of 9 am today, placing it in the ‘severe’ category.

Half of the staff of Delhi government offices will work from home, Environment minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday (November 20, 2024).

In a post on X, Mr. Rai said that 50% of the staff in government offices will work from home. Implementation of the provision will be discussed in a meeting with the officers later in the day, he said.

Earlier, the government announced staggered office timings for its offices and the MCD. The timings of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices were fixed from 8.30 am to 5 pm, while that of Delhi government offices were 10 am to 6.30 pm.