Delhi-NCR to Implement 50% Work From Home and Construction Bans from November 5 to 20

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced preventive pollution measures, directing government and private offices in Delhi and five adjoining NCR districts to operate with up to 50 per cent physical attendance from November 5 to 20. According to the October 30 order, the remaining staff will work from home.

Affected Regions and Exemptions

The restrictions apply to offices located in:

• Delhi
• Gurugram
• Faridabad
• Sonipat
• Ghaziabad
• Gautam Buddha Nagar

Industrial establishments and essential services where work-from-home arrangements are not feasible are exempt from these office attendance caps.

Construction and Demolition Restrictions

In addition to office attendance caps, CAQM has restricted dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities across the NCR during the 16-day period. This includes linear infrastructure projects such as:

• Highways, roads, and flyovers
• Overbridges
• Power transmission lines and pipelines
• Telecommunications projects

However, specific projects are exempt from the construction ban, including railways, Metro services, airports, inter-state bus terminals, hospitals, water supply, sanitation, national security, defence, and projects of national importance.

Rationale Behind the Measures

CAQM stated that Air Quality Index (AQI) data from 2018 to 2025 demonstrated that Delhi-NCR frequently recorded 'Severe' and 'Severe+' pollution levels during early and mid-November. The commission attributed this accumulation to low wind speeds and limited air movement that prevent pollutants from dispersing near the ground. The temporary measures are intended to reduce emissions ahead of and during the expected peak pollution period.

Practical Implications and Verification

Employers and residents in the specified districts should review operational guidelines to ensure compliance with the 50 per cent workforce cap and construction restrictions. Official orders and further updates can be verified directly through announcements by the Commission for Air Quality Management or respective state implementing agencies.