The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered government and private offices in Delhi-NCR to run at up to 50% physical attendance from 5 to 20 November 2026 — the first time it has issued such an order as a preventive measure against air pollution.
What the order says
- Order dated 30 October 2026, issued under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021
- Offices in the NCT of Delhi and in Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar must keep physical attendance to 50% or less; the rest work from home
- Dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction banned across the entire NCR for the same 16 days
- Exempt: industrial establishments and essential services where work from home is not feasible
- Flying squads will monitor violations from 5 November
Why now
CAQM said data from 2018–2025 shows Delhi-NCR’s air turns most toxic in early to mid-November. On day one, 5 November, Delhi’s average AQI was 367 at 9 AM — “very poor” — and traffic snarls persisted despite the order. The Commission had already invoked GRAP Stage I on 21 October and GRAP Stage II on 2 November.
Related articles on HimachalGovt
- India Targets $1 Trillion in Exports After 14% Growth in First Half — https://himachalgovt.com/stories/india-targets-1-trillion-exports-14-percent-growth
- Supreme Court: Two-Child Rule for Local Polls Has Lost Relevance, Refers 2003 Verdict to Larger Bench — https://himachalgovt.com/stories/supreme-court-two-child-rule-larger-bench
- UGC Equity Rules 2026 to Be Re-Examined: Centre Tells Supreme Court It Will Set Up a Committee — https://himachalgovt.com/stories/ugc-equity-rules-2026-re-examined-committee
