As the sun rises over Delhi, the city is once again shrouded in a thick, hazardous blanket of smog. For the sixth time in seven days, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached "severe" levels, making breathing a challenge for millions of residents. In response to this alarming situation, the government has implemented a work-from-home policy for half of its employees.

While this move offers temporary relief from the toxic outdoor air, it raises a crucial question: How safe is the air indoors? Despite being shielded from the immediate effects of outdoor pollution, indoor spaces, including homes and offices, are not entirely immune to air quality issues. From allergens and volatile organic compounds to particulate matter, indoor air can also pose significant health risks.

The growing crisis

Delhi’s air pollution is not a new story, but the scale this year is unprecedented. The AQI touched 826 today, far beyond what’s considered safe. For context, anything above 500 is categorized as “extremely hazardous.” The numbers are staggering, but for Delhi’s residents, it’s the everyday realities that hurt—coughing children, elderly struggling to breathe, and streets that resemble an apocalyptic movie scene.

The city’s air quality consistently nosedives in winter. Stagnant winds and lower temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground. Major contributors like vehicle emissions, road dust, and open waste burning continue to add to the toxic mix, making life increasingly difficult.

Turning to remote work

The government’s move to implement work-from-home for 50% of its workforce is not just about convenience—it’s a necessity. “This step will reduce traffic and vehicular pollution significantly,” said Environment Minister Gopal Rai, explaining the decision. Staggered office timings have also been introduced, with Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices operating from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Delhi government offices from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Schools in the city have been allowed to cancel physical classes under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4 measures, which also include a ban on construction activities.

What lies ahead?

The government’s work-from-home mandate shows how workplaces can adapt to crises. HR leaders in the private sector may take inspiration from such measures to safeguard employee health while maintaining productivity.

For now, Delhiites continue their days indoors, checking AQI apps, hoping for cleaner air tomorrow, and finding ways to stay connected in a city that feels more divided by its smog than ever before. As the city fights back, its people hold on to one thing they have always been known for—resilience.