Gurugram imposes construction ban and 50 per cent work-from-home mandate
New anti-pollution measures in Gurugram will run from November 5 to November 20 to combat rising air pollution levels.
The Gurugram administration has introduced new restrictions to combat deteriorating air quality, including a temporary ban on dust-producing construction and demolition from November 5 to November 20. According to reports from News18, Business Today and India TV, the district will also implement a 50 per cent work-from-home mandate for both government and private offices during this period.
The measures follow directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reduce emissions and dust. The construction ban applies to private building projects and public infrastructure such as roads, highways, flyovers, pipelines, and telecommunications. However, essential services including railways, metro systems, airports, hospitals, water supply, sanitation, and national security projects are exempt.
Regarding the workplace mandate, only half of the workforce in Haryana government departments and private establishments may attend offices physically. Industrial units and essential services where remote work is not possible are exempt from this rule. Offices must maintain roster-based attendance records to ensure compliance.
Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya stated that departments have been told to make necessary arrangements before the restrictions begin on November 5. Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Haryana State Pollution Control Board officials will conduct daily inspections to monitor adherence.
The decision comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has risen significantly. The CAQM sub-committee noted the AQI climbed from 117 on October 31 to 324 recently. In Gurugram, the AQI was recorded at 469 on November 4.
Violations of these orders may lead to legal action under the CAQM Act, 2021.