CAQM Orders 50% WFH in Delhi-NCR from November 5

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed government and private offices in Delhi and five NCR districts to allow only up to 50% of employees to attend workplaces physically from November 5 to 20, 2026, as part of measures to control seasonal air pollution.

Advertisement

The remaining employees will be required to work from home during the 16-day period. The order, dated October 30, applies to Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar, which includes Noida.

Which Offices Will Be Affected?

The directive covers state government and private offices operating in the specified areas. Organisations will have to plan employee attendance so that no more than half of their workforce is physically present at the workplace.

However, CAQM has provided exemptions for industrial establishments and essential services where work-from-home arrangements are not feasible.

Advertisement

The directive will require HR and administration teams to make temporary changes to office operations. Companies will need to plan employee rosters, remote working arrangements and IT support to ensure business continuity.

Key details of the order include:

• Implementation period: November 5 to November 20, 2026.
• Office attendance: Maximum 50% of employees physically present.
• Work from home: Remaining employees to work remotely.
• Areas covered: Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.

Construction Activities Also Restricted Across NCR

In a separate measure, CAQM has restricted dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities across the entire National Capital Region from November 5 to 20.

Advertisement

Also Read: Delhi Govt Announces 50% WFH, Double Parking Fees From November 1

The restrictions cover roads, highways, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission lines, pipelines and telecommunication infrastructure. However, exemptions have been provided for essential infrastructure projects, including Railways, Metro services, airports, hospitals, water supply, sanitation and national security-related work.

Why Has CAQM Issued the Order?

CAQM said its analysis of daily Air Quality Index (AQI) data from November 2018 to 2025 showed a recurring pattern of high pollution levels during early and mid-November, with air quality reaching the Severe and Severe+ categories on certain days.

The Commission identified local emissions, agricultural residue and biomass burning, along with unfavourable weather conditions, as factors contributing to the seasonal increase in pollution.

The measures have been issued under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021, with the objective of reducing emissions and limiting the accumulation of pollutants during the period.