Amid a severe air pollution crisis in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has ordered 50 percent of its employees to work from home. Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced the decision on Twitter, explaining that the move is aimed at reducing pollution levels. He also mentioned that a meeting with officials would be held to implement the new directive.

On Wednesday morning, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a hazardous 422, placing it in the "severe" category. In response to the rising pollution, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, had already implemented staggered office timings for government employees earlier this week. Under the revised schedule, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will operate from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, while Delhi government offices will remain open from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. These timings are set to remain in effect until February 28, 2025.

The hazardous pollution levels have led to the activation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, which includes a range of measures such as a ban on non-essential trucks entering the city and halting construction work on public projects. Only vehicles that run on cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity are allowed entry.

Additionally, Minister Gopal Rai has written to the Centre, requesting approval for artificial rain to help improve the city's air quality. He has urged the Centre to convene a meeting with experts from IIT Kanpur and other relevant government bodies to discuss further solutions to the pollution crisis.