As pollution continues to increase in Delhi, CM Atishi announced fresh measures to combat traffic congestion and air pollution. The Delhi government will implement staggered office hours for its staff to deal with the high air quality crisis that the national capital currently faces.
New Office Timings for Better Air Quality
The idea is to have two shifts for government employees: 8 AM to 4 PM and 10 AM to 6 PM. This will lessen the number of vehicles on the road in the morning hours, helping reduce rush hour traffic and emissions from cars.
According to CM Atishi, this step falls within a larger plan to combat pollution, which has been at dangerous levels recently due to factors like crop stubble burning in adjacent states and winter weather.
Air Quality Crisis-Current Figures
The air quality index has hovered in the “very poor” range to “severe” in Delhi over the past few weeks, with some areas clocking in around the 400 mark. In many areas in Delhi, PM2.5 levels are significantly above safe limits, thus causing health concerns, particularly in people with respiratory issues. The increasing air pollution levels also prompted the Delhi government to take urgent steps to limit exhaust from vehicles, which mostly contribute directly to pollution.
Steps Taken So Far
Besides staggered office timings, Delhi has already initiated some emergency measures to deal with the crisis, including the ‘Red Light On, Gaadi Off’ campaign that advises drivers to turn off their engines at traffic lights to cut idle emissions.
Other responses have included strengthening the monitoring of pollution-causing vehicles and industries and restricting the entry of heavy trucks into the city.
The Delhi government is promoting public transport and carpooling as alternate ways to limit private vehicles on the roads. Likewise, the school timings and construction works have been adjusted so that there is minimal exposure to dust pollution. These combined efforts aim to lower pollution levels in the city and provide some relief to its residents.
Public Response and Future Outlook
The public response to staggered timings was mixed. While various individuals acknowledged the efforts undertaken by the governments to rid Delhi of its pollution woes, some expressed wistfulness for the impact it would have on daily activities and on balancing work with family life.
CM Atishi assured the government would closely monitor the street situation and adjust the contour. The authorities hope this will significantly reduce vehicular emissions and alleviate traffic pressure on Delhi’s roads during peak rush hours.
While the staggered office timings are among many urgent measures adopted to preserve public health, Delhi is experiencing its yearly winter pollution crisis. The government’s effectiveness in implementing such a policy will receive intense scrutiny as it fights against one of the city’s oppressive environmental threats.
