Work From Home Likely In Delhi During Winters: Govt Includes It In Winter Action Plan

New Delhi: The Delhi government is likely to integrate work from home policy during the winter in view of the severe concerns related to air pollution. The government is likely to integrate work from home policy in its Winter Action Plan, in its efforts to combat air pollution in the national capital. Policies for work from home and awareness campaigns are likely to be part of the Delhi government's Winter Action Plan to combat air pollution, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference, Gopal Rai said that the policies for work from home and awareness campaigns will likely be a part of the Delhi government’s Winter Action Plan, adding that the AAP dispensation recently held a meeting with environment experts and officials from various government departments to seek their opinions in the crafting and implementation of the plan.

Change in our behaviour is essential to reduce pollution: Gopal Rai

"These inputs will play a crucial role in crafting an effective Winter Action Plan," Rai stated, emphasizing the need for a shift in human behaviour and said one could contribute to reducing air pollution by taking small measures such as turning off engines at traffic lights.

"We are the ones using private vehicles, engaging in construction work and failing to turn off our vehicles at red lights. A change in our behaviour is essential to reduce pollution," Gopal Rai said.

"Self-awareness is important. Small steps by everyone will bring a big change," the minister said.

Previously, work-from-home measures were implemented in government offices when the Air Quality Index reached the 'severe' category.

"The Delhi government will try to ensure that private organisations also follow the same practice," he said.

Rai also highlighted the improvement in Delhi's air quality over the years.

"In 2016, there were only 110 days when the air quality was under the 'satisfactory' category. By 2023, that number increased to 206 days. It is a significant achievement for the government, especially given the rise in construction activities and the number of vehicles," the minister said.

The steps taken so far have yielded positive results, Rai added, crediting the AAP government's efforts under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for these improvements.