The Government of India has taken a significant step to combat the worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR by implementing new directives for central government offices under Stage IV (‘Severe+’) of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) issued the instructions on November 21, 2024, aiming to reduce pollution without disrupting office operations.
Key Measures Introduced
In response to the severe pollution levels, central Ministries, Departments, and Organizations (MDOs) in Delhi-NCR have been directed to adopt the following measures:
- Staggered Office Timings:
To ease traffic congestion during peak hours and reduce vehicular emissions, government offices will follow staggered shifts:- 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
- Encouragement of Carpooling and Public Transport:
Employees using personal vehicles are encouraged to carpool or shift to public transportation to reduce vehicle emissions.
Balancing Productivity with Environmental Responsibility
The memorandum emphasizes that while these steps are critical for mitigating pollution, ministries and departments must ensure that their operations remain efficient and productive. Organizations are allowed to adjust the implementation of these measures according to their specific functional requirements.
What is GRAP?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a structured framework designed to tackle air pollution in a phased manner. It defines specific actions for various pollution levels, ranging from ‘Moderate’ to ‘Severe+.’
- Stage IV (‘Severe+’): The most critical phase is triggered when air quality reaches hazardous levels, requiring immediate and stringent actions to safeguard public health.
Official Directive
The directive, signed by A.K. Gopal, Under Secretary to the Government of India, stresses the importance of compliance. It calls for immediate implementation of the prescribed measures by all central ministries and departments operating in Delhi-NCR.
What Does This Mean for Employees?
If you are a central government employee in Delhi-NCR, here’s how these changes might impact you:
- Adapt to New Timings: Be prepared for potential changes in your office schedule due to staggered shifts.
- Use Sustainable Transport: Opt for carpooling or public transportation to contribute to the effort of reducing pollution.
Conclusion
The government’s proactive measures under GRAP Stage IV reflect a serious commitment to tackling Delhi-NCR’s alarming pollution levels. While these steps aim to improve air quality, they also focus on maintaining operational efficiency in central government offices. By adopting these practices, employees can play a crucial role in combating pollution and protecting public health.
