As Delhi grapples with hazardous air quality, the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officers have called for immediate workplace measures to safeguard health and productivity. In a letter to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Monday, November 18, the CSS Forum urged for work-from-home options, staggered office hours, and installation of air purifiers in Central government buildings.
The association emphasised that employees are increasingly reporting respiratory problems, eye irritation, fatigue, and general discomfort due to the alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
The CSS Forum emphasised the urgent need for measures to protect employees from the hazardous air quality in Delhi, including the distribution of N95 masks and other protective equipment. It proposed implementing work-from-home options or staggered office timings until pollution levels improve. The forum also urged for the adoption of guidelines promoting carpooling, public transport usage, and energy-efficient office operations to mitigate the health and environmental impact of the crisis.
Delhi’s AQI reached a season-high of 494 on Monday, November 18, with several areas such as Rohini and Ashok Vihar recording a maximum level of 500. The hazardous air quality poses severe risks, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions, children, and the elderly. Employees have complained of itchy eyes and difficulty breathing as smog envelops the city.
Delhi has enforced GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan), banning older BS-3 and BS-4 vehicles and restricting diesel-run heavy goods carriers to curb emissions. The Centre’s air quality panel had already suggested work-from-home options for Central government employees on Sunday, November 17, aligning with the CSS Forum’s recommendations.
As Delhi continues to choke under severe pollution, all eyes are on whether the government will implement these measures to mitigate the crisis.
