In a decisive move to combat escalating air pollution, the Gurugram administration has implemented a series of stringent measures effective from November 5 to November 20. The directives, issued in accordance with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), include a mandatory 50% work-from-home (WFH) policy for all offices and a widespread ban on construction activities across the district.
New Measures to Combat Air Pollution
The Gurugram district administration's order addresses the critical 'severe' and 'severe+' air quality levels historically observed in the Delhi-NCR region during early to mid-November. The aim is to significantly reduce emission loads at the source and prevent the further accumulation of pollutants.
Work-From-Home Mandate
All state government and private offices in Gurugram are now required to ensure that no more than 50% of their staff are physically present at the workplace. The remaining employees must work remotely from home. Offices are also tasked with maintaining detailed roster-wise attendance records to ensure compliance with this directive.
Construction Activity Restrictions
A comprehensive ban has been placed on all dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities. This also extends to linear public infrastructure projects, such as the construction of roads, highways, flyovers, and pipelines, which are typically significant contributors to airborne particulate matter.
Exemptions and Enforcement
While the new pollution curbs are broad, specific exemptions have been made for essential services and critical infrastructure projects, alongside strict enforcement protocols.
Industrial establishments and essential services where a work-from-home arrangement is not feasible have been exempted from the 50% WFH mandate. These crucial sectors are expected to continue operations while adhering to other environmental guidelines.
Similarly, certain essential and nationally important construction projects are exempt from the ban, provided they strictly comply with prescribed dust mitigation norms. This includes construction activities related to railways, metro projects, airports, hospitals, water supply systems, sanitation facilities, and national security infrastructure.
To ensure adherence to the new regulations, concerned departments and enforcement agencies have been directed to conduct regular and daily inspections. Any violations will result in action being taken under Section 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021, along with other applicable laws.
Addressing Hazardous Air Quality
The urgency of these measures is underscored by the alarmingly high Air Quality Index (AQI) readings across Haryana. On Wednesday morning, the region woke up to 'hazardous' air, with Samalkha reporting an AQI of 1,217 and Dumerkha Kalan at 1,064. Gurugram itself registered an AQI of 469, falling into the 'severe' category, necessitating immediate and drastic interventions to safeguard public health.