The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed state governments and agencies to implement stricter enforcement mechanisms to address the sudden spike in stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana.
Delhi experiences a biting chill with 'cold day' conditions and dense fog, coupled with 'very poor' air quality. The IMD forecasts continued cold weather and potential light rain.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) reports improved air quality in Delhi compared to the same period last year, attributing it to coordinated efforts by government departments. Officials aim to avoid implementing GRAP Stage III restrictions through proactive measures and public participation.
Delhi residents woke up on Tuesday to heavy grey haze darkening the city skies, reduced visibility and the air quality in the 'red zone' after many celebrated Diwali last night by bursting firecrackers beyond the two-hour limit set by the Supreme Court.
With the Air Quality Index remaining in the severe category, the government has directed schools to switch to online mode for these grades until further notice.
Delhi government mandates 50% work from home for offices and private establishments under GRAP stage three due to severe air pollution. Essential services are exempted.
Concerns over Canadian wildfire smoke impacting air quality and player health for the World Cup final in New York are easing, with forecasts predicting significant rain and a cold front to clear the haze before Sunday's match, though hot and hazy conditions could still pose risks.
When dealing with severe air quality, your diet can play a crucial role in protecting your lungs and overall health.
Researchers at CSIR-CIMFR have developed India's first mobile Smart Algal Liquid Tree (SALT), an innovative air-purification system using microalgae to absorb CO2 and release oxygen. Designed for polluted urban areas, this compact unit offers a sustainable solution where conventional tree planting is challenging, also providing public utility features.
Delhiites continued to breathe toxic air on Tuesday as the air quality edged closer to the severe zone in some areas.
Delhi's air quality plummeted to alarming levels on Tuesday after 24 days, with many areas witnessing a significant spike in pollution despite the strictest measures, including a ban on construction activities and the entry of trucks into the city, coming into force.
Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University have announced a shift to online classes until November 23 and November 22, respectively, due to the alarmingly high air pollution levels in the city. The decision comes as Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) face "alarmingly high" air quality levels, prompting concerns about health and safety. The schedule of exams and interviews remains unchanged, the universities said. The Delhi government has termed the air situation a "medical emergency" and urged institutions to take preventive measures. Several schools and colleges in the region have already started shifting to online classes due to the poor air.
This deterioration in air quality led to prompting enforcement of Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital.
The city's 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm daily, stood at 417, making it the worst in the country. On Friday, the AQI level was 396.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented stage one measures in Delhi-NCR under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as air quality declined to the 'poor' category.
Low temperature -- Delhi recorded a minimum of 13.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the season's lowest so far -- allowed accumulation of pollutants, said Mahesh Palawat, vice president (meteorology and climate change), Skymet Weather.
The city's air quality dropped to the "very poor" category, with an Air Quality Index of 330 at 10 pm.
'I think pollution levels have been rising in Delhi for the past 10-12 days. We can feel it in our eyes today. The smog is dense'
Authorities on Friday had advised people to limit outdoor activities and told government and private offices to cut vehicle use by at least 30 per cent as air quality in Delhi-NCR inched towards the emergency level amid a rise in emissions from farm fires and unfavourable meteorological conditions.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has inducted eight new truck-mounted Mechanical Road Sweeping (MRS) machines into its sanitation fleet to strengthen mechanised cleaning and curb dust pollution in the national capital.
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to kick off in New Jersey, with fans flocking to the stadium despite high ticket prices and enhanced security measures, as both teams vie for the coveted title.
The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 420 at 8 am on Thursday, compared to 426 at 4 pm on Wednesday. The AQI map prepared by the Central Pollution Control Board showed clusters of red dots (indicating hazardous air quality) spread across the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 407 at 4 pm.
Air quality in Delhi and its suburbs dropped to the severe category again on Wednesday morning, with smoke from post-harvest paddy straw burning in neighbouring states accounting for one-third of the air pollution in the national capital.
The central air quality panel had on Friday allowed authorities in Delhi-NCR to resume physical classes for students in classes 6 and above, colleges and other educational institutions with immediate effect.
The city's 24-hour Air Quality Index, recorded at 4 pm every day, stood at 418, up from 334 the previous day, and it may trigger stringent restrictions under the third stage of the graded response action plan to mitigate hazardous conditions.
The poisonous haze has been causing significant problems for people with existing respiratory issues, according to doctors.
The World Cup final offers football's grandest stage a deliciously odd pairing: Argentina, all pulse, fire and Lionel Messi, against Spain, the European champions who appear to treat chaos as an administrative error and have turned control into something close to an art form.
These countries demonstrate how clean energy adoption, strong environmental policies and favourable geographical conditions can keep air pollution impressively low. According to the IQAir World Air Quality Report (2024), they consistently maintain annual average PM2.5 levels at or below the World Health Organization's stringent guideline of 5 g/m.
Firecracker bursting till late Sunday night led to a spike in pollution levels amid low temperatures.
The overall Air Quality Index was recorded at 231 on Sunday which falls in 'poor' category.
The Maharashtra government has formally acquired the iconic Air India building in south Mumbai for Rs 1,601 crore, completing the transfer of agreements from Air India Assets Holding Company to the state Public Works Department.
The capital witnessed a clear morning on Friday with the minimum temperature settling a notch below normal at 14.6 degrees Celsius.
Delhi experienced a foggy morning with a dip in temperature and improved air quality following recent rainfall. The air quality index (AQI) reached 'satisfactory' levels for the first time in five months.
The city recorded a minimum temperature of 14.6 degrees Celsius, a notch above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department.
Acentral panel directed authorities to ban the plying of 4-wheeled diesel LMVs in Delhi and adjoining NCR districts and the entry of trucks into the capital.
Preventive measures are in place and the forecast suggests further improvement, said the statutory body responsible for forming air pollution reduction strategies for the region and their implementation.
Pollution levels in Delhi during the Diwali period are likely to remain in the higher end of the 'very poor' category in the absence of emissions due to fireworks, the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor, SAFAR said.
The 8th World Air Quality report reveals Pakistan as the most polluted country, with India ranking sixth. The report analyses air quality data from over 9,446 cities across 143 countries, highlighting the severe impact of pollution on global health, especially for children.
The central government's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi said a "significant improvement in air quality is not likely" owing to slow wind speed, particularly during night time, and contribution from farm fires.
