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Delhi AQI hits 494; Govt enforces WFH as 16 stations turn severe
✍️ TOI City
🗓 14 Nov 2026, 07:48 AM
👁 25
Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to hazardous levels with an AQI of 494, prompting officials to mandate work-from-home policies to protect public health.
The air quality in the National Capital Region has plunged into the 'severe' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 494. This sharp deterioration has resulted in 16 monitoring stations across the city falling into the severe pollution zone, marking a significant spike in hazardous particulate matter.
In response to the worsening conditions, government officials have initiated immediate measures to safeguard public health. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Transport Minister Pankaj Singh have directed the enforcement of work-from-home policies for government offices. These steps are aimed at reducing vehicular movement and minimizing exposure to toxic air for the workforce.
Data indicates that vehicular emissions are a primary driver of the current pollution crisis, accounting for over 31% of the PM2.5 levels recorded in the atmosphere. The high concentration of these fine particles poses serious risks to the general population, particularly during peak traffic hours.
Medical experts have issued strong cautions regarding the health impacts of such hazardous air. They highlight that children are especially vulnerable, as their developing respiratory systems are more susceptible to damage from prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution.
In response to the worsening conditions, government officials have initiated immediate measures to safeguard public health. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Transport Minister Pankaj Singh have directed the enforcement of work-from-home policies for government offices. These steps are aimed at reducing vehicular movement and minimizing exposure to toxic air for the workforce.
Data indicates that vehicular emissions are a primary driver of the current pollution crisis, accounting for over 31% of the PM2.5 levels recorded in the atmosphere. The high concentration of these fine particles poses serious risks to the general population, particularly during peak traffic hours.
Medical experts have issued strong cautions regarding the health impacts of such hazardous air. They highlight that children are especially vulnerable, as their developing respiratory systems are more susceptible to damage from prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution.