Government Employees in Delhi demand Work from Home due to severe Air Quality, Know All Demands of Employees

On Monday, November 18, 2024, Delhi experienced a sharp deterioration in air quality, prompting the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Forum, an organization representing central government employees, to address the growing health risks caused by pollution. The forum has written to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), requesting urgent implementation of workplace measures to mitigate the impact of hazardous air conditions.

Key Demands by the CSS Forum

Recognizing the adverse effects of pollution on employee health and productivity, the CSS Forum has proposed the following measures for all Central Government Offices in Delhi-NCR:

1. Work from Home (WFH) and Flexible Timings:
   • Why Needed: Hazardous air quality increases respiratory and cardiovascular health risks, especially during peak pollution hours when employees commute to work.
   • Proposal: Introduce WFH options or staggered office timings to reduce exposure to outdoor pollution during peak hours and decrease the number of people commuting simultaneously.
2. Provision of Air Purifiers:
   • Why Needed: Indoor air quality in offices often mirrors the high pollution levels outside, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
   • Proposal: Install air purifiers in all offices to maintain cleaner indoor air and minimize exposure to harmful pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10.
3. Distribution of N95 Masks and Protective Gear:
   • Why Needed: Employees traveling or working in areas with severe pollution levels are at risk of inhaling harmful particles that can aggravate existing health conditions.
   • Proposal: Supply N95 masks, known for their efficiency in filtering fine particles, and protective gear for all officials.
4. Regular Health Check-Ups and Awareness Campaigns:
   • Why Needed: Long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Awareness about preventive measures can help employees take better care of their health.
   • Proposal: Conduct periodic health screenings and organize awareness sessions on pollution-related health risks and preventive strategies.
5. Carpooling Facilities:
   • Why Needed: Reducing the number of vehicles on the road can help decrease vehicular emissions, a major contributor to Delhi’s pollution.
   • Proposal: Facilitate and encourage carpooling among employees to reduce traffic congestion and emissions during office hours.

The Severity of Delhi’s Pollution

Record High Air Pollution Levels

• AQI Statistics: At 7:00 a.m. on November 18, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached an alarming 483, categorized as ‘severe plus,’ according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• Impact of GRAP Stage 4: Emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4 were enforced, including restrictions on construction activities, vehicle use, and industrial operations.

Visibility and Transport Challenges

• Thick Smog: A dense layer of smog covered Delhi-NCR, significantly reducing visibility across the region.
• Flight Disruptions: Poor visibility caused five flights to be diverted from Delhi airport—four redirected to Jaipur and one to Dehradun.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

The Supreme Court raised concerns about delays in implementing stricter anti-pollution measures under GRAP Stage 4. The court emphasized the importance of adhering to preventive actions and noted that any relaxation of these measures requires prior approval.

Context: The Broader Impacts of Delhi’s Pollution

Health Risks

• Prolonged exposure to ‘severe’ AQI levels poses significant health risks, including:
  • Respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
  • Cardiovascular problems due to increased stress on the heart.
  • Long-term effects such as reduced lung function and higher susceptibility to infections.

Economic Impacts

• The deteriorating air quality leads to reduced productivity, increased medical expenses, and absenteeism in workplaces, further straining the city’s economy.

Call for Urgent Action

The CSS Forum’s plea reflects the growing urgency to address the public health crisis posed by air pollution. Immediate action, such as implementing workplace safety measures and strengthening anti-pollution strategies, is essential to protect the health and well-being of employees and citizens.

As Delhi continues to grapple with hazardous air quality, collaboration between government authorities, organizations, and individuals is vital to mitigate the short- and long-term consequences of this environmental crisis.