Gurugram urges private firms to opt for work from home as pollution hits 'severe+' levels

The worsening air quality in Gurugram has prompted authorities to take urgent action. To reduce the impact of pollution, the city administration on Tuesday asked private institutions and multinational firms to implement a 50% work-from-home policy starting November 20, 2024.


Sharing the announcement on X, the Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram stated: "In line with the directive from the Commission for Air Quality Management (NCR), all private institutions & corporate offices in Gurugram are advised to implement 50% work-from-home policy starting 20th Nov 2024 until further notice. This is crucial in combating 'Severe+' air quality levels & supporting the GRAP measures to improve air quality in the region."

Severe Smog Envelops Gurugram as AQI Hits Season’s Worst

The iconic skyline of Gurugram, with its towering corporate offices and luxurious high-rises, disappeared under a thick blanket of smog on Monday as the air quality dropped to 'severe' levels for the first time this season.

The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) saw a sharp spike, rising from 310 ('very poor') on Sunday to a staggering 469 ('severe') within 24 hours. Experts attributed this drastic deterioration to calm winds and colder temperatures, which trapped pollutants over Delhi-NCR, creating a dense smog layer.

Data from SAFAR, the central government’s weather forecasting agency, revealed that nearly 40% of Delhi’s pollution was due to farm fires. The remaining contributors were emissions from vehicles and dust.

“The region is experiencing a significant influx of biomass from Punjab and Haryana, where paddy stubble is being burned. While farm fires might reduce in the coming days, local sources such as vehicle emissions and dust will continue to add to the pollution, keeping the skies hazy,” said Sunil Dahiya, founder of Enviro-Catalysts.

Meteorologists and experts warn that even as stubble burning subsides, the combined effect of local pollution sources and weather conditions may keep the air quality poor for the foreseeable future.