Central Government Employees Forum Urges Action on Delhi Air Pollution

The Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Forum, representing Group ‘B’ and Organized Group ‘A’ officers, has raised alarm over the hazardous air quality in Delhi. In a detailed letter addressed to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the forum has highlighted the adverse health effects, productivity decline, and long-term risks posed by the city’s persistent air pollution, urging the government to implement a series of urgent measures to combat this crisis.

Key Concerns Raised by CSS Forum

The forum identified several pressing issues caused by the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently exceeding 500, creating an environment of acute health hazards:

Health Impact: Employees are experiencing a surge in respiratory ailments, eye irritation, and other pollution-related health issues.
Productivity Decline: Deteriorating air quality has significantly impacted workplace efficiency and employee output.
Long-term Risks: Prolonged exposure to polluted air increases the risk of chronic illnesses, escalating healthcare costs and reducing workforce strength.

Proposed Remedial Measures

In its appeal, the CSS Forum has recommended several actionable steps for mitigating the effects of air pollution on central government employees:

1. Workplace Adjustments

Introduce flexible working arrangements, such as work-from-home policies or staggered office timings during severe pollution episodes.
Align policies with existing guidelines, such as vide order No. 120017/27/GRAP/2021/CAQM issued on November 17, 2024, for air quality management.

2. Health Support Initiatives

Conduct regular health check-ups and awareness campaigns to educate employees about managing hazardous air conditions.
Collaborate with healthcare providers to offer discounted treatments for pollution-related ailments.

3. Indoor Air Quality Improvements

Install air purifiers in all central government office buildings.
Provide employees with N95 masks and other protective gear to reduce exposure to pollutants.

4. Collaborative Measures with Delhi Government

Work closely with the Delhi Government to ensure effective implementation of city-wide interventions such as:
- Water sprinkling on roads to control dust.
- Better construction dust management.
- Enhanced traffic management to curb vehicular emissions.

5. Green Initiatives and Awareness Campaigns

Promote eco-friendly practices like tree plantation drives and incentivize carpooling and public transport usage among employees.
Issue comprehensive guidelines for government departments to combat air pollution through energy-efficient operations and green office practices.

A Broader Call to Action

The CSS Forum has also urged the Central Government to prioritize robust interventions addressing:

Vehicular emissions.
Construction dust.
Stubble burning in neighboring states.

In its letter, the forum emphasized the need for immediate, coordinated efforts to safeguard the health and productivity of employees, stating, “We trust that the Department of Personnel and Training will consider this matter with urgency and take necessary steps to address this pressing issue.”

The Way Forward

As air pollution in Delhi continues to affect the health and well-being of its residents, the CSS Forum’s comprehensive appeal highlights the dire need for actionable policies and intergovernmental cooperation. By prioritizing employee health and environmental sustainability, the government can create a healthier and more productive work environment for central government employees.