Companies in NCR may soon begin offering flexi working hours

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: The Central Pollution Control Board( CPCB) has turned innovative in its efforts to curb vehicular pollution in the National Capital Region.

As per The Times of India report, the Centre has informed the Supreme Court that ​CPCB has directed Delhi and other NCR states to consider introduction of flexi-staggered office timings to reduce peak-hour traffic, 

The CPCB expects that flexi working hours will dilute traffic, especially the one coming in from neighbouring states of Noida and Gurgaon during the morning and evening office hours resulting in traffic snarls.

The centre is trying to convince the Supreme Court of its serious intention in controlling the pollution levels in the region, as well a that the Court should desist from levying environmental tax on diesel cars of engine capacity of more than 2000 cc.

The report adds that the immediate measures to be taken by state governments include flexi office timings to reduce peak hour traffic, retrofitting of diesel vehicles with particulate filters, early alarm system to warn commuters about traffic congestion and route diversion, decongesting pathways, prevention of parking on roadsides and non-designated spaces and impounding of visibly polluting vehicles.

The CPCB has set a 30-day deadline for state governments to carry out more antipollution measures like synchronising traffic lights, installing vapour recovery system in fuel stations, introducing mechanised vacuum sweeping of roads, expediting construction of eastern and western peripheral expressways, maintaining wide, green and pothole free roads, and closure of unauthorised brick kilns. Hotels and restaurants in Delhi have also been encouraged to use eco friendly fuels for cooking.

CPCB has also sought satellite-based monitoring for tracking and enforcing a ban on agricultural waste burning.