Delhi pollution: Lt Guv VK Saxena directs implementation of staggered timings for govt offices

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Monday directed the implementation of staggered office timings in view of the severe air pollution levels in the national capital during the winter months, and as part of the measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

All offices under the Government of NCT of Delhi and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi until 28th February 2025 will follow the new timings. Offices under Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will work form 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, while offices under Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) will function from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court said that all NCR states must take an immediate call to stop physical classes of all standards up to class 12


Further, the apex court directed all NCR governments to take a call on steps provided in GRAP-IV and place them before it before the next date of hearing.


Grap 4 restriction: what's allowed and what's not

1. Even for classes VI–IX and XI, the NCR State Governments and GNCTD may decide to stop holding in-person classes and instead teach online.

2. NCR State Governments/GNCTD will decide whether to permit 50% of employees in governmental, municipal, and private offices to work from home.

3. GRAP Stage 4 entails ban on diesel-run medium, heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi (BS-IV or below), except those carrying essentials.


4. Entry of trucks into Delhi banned except for those carrying essential goods, services; LNG, CNG, electric, BS-VI diesel trucks allowed: CAQM.

5. Prevent trucks from entering Delhi, unless they are transporting necessities or rendering necessary services. However, all trucks (LNG, CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel) will be allowed entry into Delhi.

6. Ban od C & D activities, as in GRAP Stage 3, also for linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, etc.

7. State government may consider additional emergency measures like closure of colleges/educational institutions and closure of non-emergency commercial activities, permitting running of vehicles, and odd-even basis of registration numbers etc.

8. The Central Government has the authority to decide whether to allow its employees to work from home.