Amid worsening air quality and GRAP-4, central government employee body seeks work-from-home
Nov 18, 2024, 17:15 IST
Highlighting the alarming deterioration in Delhi's air quality, a body representing the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officers on Monday demanded work-from-home, staggered working hours, and air purifiers in all office buildings to mitigate the health impact of the severe pollution levels.
In a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the association said that poor air quality has also had a noticeable effect on workplace productivity with employees experiencing symptoms such as respiratory issues, eye irritation, fatigue and general discomfort.
"It has become imperative to take urgent measures to ensure the well-being of all, particularly those engaged in government services," said the letter by the CSS Forum.
It said continuous exposure to hazardous air quality is leading to a surge in respiratory ailments and other health issues among employees and their families.
"The discomfort caused by poor air quality is affecting the efficiency and output of the workforce," the CSS Forum said.
The association said that alarming deterioration in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) persistently hovering around hazardous levels, poses severe health risks, especially to those with pre-existing conditions, the elderly, and children.
It has significantly impacted the day-to-day lives of residents and employees working in the capital, said the letter written by Ashutosh Misra, the General Secretary of the CSS Forum.
It suggested workplace adjustments like implementing work-from-home policies or staggered office timings till the situation eases out. The CSS officers association also sought provisions of air purifiers in all central government office buildings to improve indoor air quality.
"Ensure that employees are provided with N95 masks and other necessary protective equipment," Misra said.
The CSS Forum is an association of CSS officers who form the backbone of the central secretariat.
People complained of itchy and watery eyes as a dense layer of smog continued to envelop the national capital. Delhi's AQI was recorded at 484, the worst this season, at 8 am on Monday. The AQI worsened further to 491 at 2 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
With Delhi's overall AQI at 494 as of 5 pm today, Ashok Vihar, Najafgarh, Nehru Nagar, North Campus, and Rohini each recorded AQIs of 500.
The Centre's air quality panel had on Sunday also suggested work-from-home options for central government employees.
Across the border, Lahore in Pakistan saw AQI touch as high as 1,600. The country's Punjab province reported over 1.91 million respiratory illnesses just during the month. The situation was far worse in Multan, where AQI touched a staggering 2,000.
Vehicles with BS-3 compliance have been manufactured between 2005 and 2010. Vehicles with BS-4 compliance will have their manufacturing dates between 2010 and 2020. Since 2020, it is mandatory for all manufactured vehicles to have BS-6 compliance.
Advertisement
In a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the association said that poor air quality has also had a noticeable effect on workplace productivity with employees experiencing symptoms such as respiratory issues, eye irritation, fatigue and general discomfort.
"It has become imperative to take urgent measures to ensure the well-being of all, particularly those engaged in government services," said the letter by the CSS Forum.
It said continuous exposure to hazardous air quality is leading to a surge in respiratory ailments and other health issues among employees and their families.
"The discomfort caused by poor air quality is affecting the efficiency and output of the workforce," the CSS Forum said.
Advertisement
It has significantly impacted the day-to-day lives of residents and employees working in the capital, said the letter written by Ashutosh Misra, the General Secretary of the CSS Forum.
It suggested workplace adjustments like implementing work-from-home policies or staggered office timings till the situation eases out. The CSS officers association also sought provisions of air purifiers in all central government office buildings to improve indoor air quality.
"Ensure that employees are provided with N95 masks and other necessary protective equipment," Misra said.
The CSS Forum is an association of CSS officers who form the backbone of the central secretariat.
Advertisement
He also asked the DoPT Secretary to issue comprehensive guidelines for all central government offices on measures to combat air pollution and safeguard employees' health. The association also suggested carpooling, use of public transport, and adopting energy-efficient office operations. People complained of itchy and watery eyes as a dense layer of smog continued to envelop the national capital. Delhi's AQI was recorded at 484, the worst this season, at 8 am on Monday. The AQI worsened further to 491 at 2 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
With Delhi's overall AQI at 494 as of 5 pm today, Ashok Vihar, Najafgarh, Nehru Nagar, North Campus, and Rohini each recorded AQIs of 500.
The Centre's air quality panel had on Sunday also suggested work-from-home options for central government employees.
Across the border, Lahore in Pakistan saw AQI touch as high as 1,600. The country's Punjab province reported over 1.91 million respiratory illnesses just during the month. The situation was far worse in Multan, where AQI touched a staggering 2,000.
Advertisement
Closer home, Delhi is seeing the implementation GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan). Under this, movement of BS-3 petrol cars and BS-4diesel cars is not allowed in Delhi. Even diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles which are registered in Delhi and have BS-IV compliance or below are banned.Vehicles with BS-3 compliance have been manufactured between 2005 and 2010. Vehicles with BS-4 compliance will have their manufacturing dates between 2010 and 2020. Since 2020, it is mandatory for all manufactured vehicles to have BS-6 compliance.