News for 'Pollution Control'

Deepika Padukone Can't Breathe!

Deepika Padukone Can't Breathe!

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Deepika Padukone has raised concerns about the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai, India, highlighting the impact on residents, especially children. Her comments come amid growing concerns about pollution levels in the city, which have worsened in recent years due to construction, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution.

No respite from toxic air as Delhi's AQI crosses 400

No respite from toxic air as Delhi's AQI crosses 400

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

On the weather front, dense fog led to a sharp drop in visibility, with Palam recording 50 metres visibility under dense fog conditions with west-southwesterly winds at 5 kmph at 8 am, while Safdarjung reported 100 metres visibility with calm winds at the same time.

Direct schools not to hold sports events: SC to CAQM

Direct schools not to hold sports events: SC to CAQM

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider directing schools in Delhi-NCR to postpone open air sports competitions planned in November and December to 'safer months' keeping in mind air pollution levels.

NGT slams UP pollution panel over Sangam water report

NGT slams UP pollution panel over Sangam water report

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday slammed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, asking whether it disputed the Central Pollution Control Board's finding on high levels of faecal coliform being found in the water at various locations in Prayagraj during the ongoing Mahakumbh.

Legislature vs Executive: Fadnavis rejects call to suspend Satara SP

Legislature vs Executive: Fadnavis rejects call to suspend Satara SP

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarifies the separation of powers between the legislature and executive branches following a directive to suspend a Satara Superintendent of Police. He emphasised that while the executive is accountable to the legislature, the legislature cannot assume the executive's role.

Relief for Delhiites as air improves, GRAP-3 curbs lifted

Relief for Delhiites as air improves, GRAP-3 curbs lifted

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked restrictions imposed under GRAP 3 in Delhi-NCR following improvements in air quality. Non-essential construction and demolition activities are now allowed to restart, and restrictions on vehicles have been lifted.

Pune civic polls: Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule share stage

Pune civic polls: Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule share stage

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

The Nationalist Congress Party, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar, headed by his uncle Sharad Pawar, on Saturday released a joint manifesto for the upcoming elections to the Pune municipal corporation.

14 arrested in Varanasi for Iftar on boat in Ganga

14 arrested in Varanasi for Iftar on boat in Ganga

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Fourteen individuals have been arrested in Varanasi for allegedly defiling a place of worship and hurting religious sentiments after a video surfaced showing them consuming chicken biryani during an Iftar party on a boat in the Ganga river.

IIT-Kanpur director explains why Delhi's cloud seeding failed

IIT-Kanpur director explains why Delhi's cloud seeding failed

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

IIT-Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal discusses the cloud seeding trial in Delhi, its costs, and the information gained despite the lack of rain.

Allowing green firecrackers in NCR on test case basis, says SC

Allowing green firecrackers in NCR on test case basis, says SC

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court issued interim directions permitting the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during Diwali, outlining specific rules and restrictions.

Delhi shuts classes up to Std 5 as air quality worsens

Delhi shuts classes up to Std 5 as air quality worsens

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

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.

Fadnavis unveils 'missing link' on Mumbai-Pune Expressway amid massive jams

Fadnavis unveils 'missing link' on Mumbai-Pune Expressway amid massive jams

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Maharashtra's Chief Minister inaugurated the 'Missing Link' project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, designed to bypass a steep mountain pass, reduce travel time, and boost economic activity.

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Experts warn that air pollution in India is a major public health crisis, leading to a surge in undiagnosed airway diseases and cardiovascular issues. They urge for urgent action, early detection, and treatment.

Varanasi: 14 sent to custody for holding iftar on a boat in Ganga

Varanasi: 14 sent to custody for holding iftar on a boat in Ganga

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A Varanasi court has remanded 14 people to judicial custody after they allegedly held an Iftar party and consumed chicken biryani on a boat in the Ganga river, sparking outrage and accusations of hurting religious sentiments.

Delhi's Pollution Nightmare!

Delhi's Pollution Nightmare!

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

Clean air needs action all year round; and that it will work only if we act jointly and at scale, asserts Sunita Narain.

Delhi air turns lethal as AQI peaks at 498, skyline lost in haze

Delhi air turns lethal as AQI peaks at 498, skyline lost in haze

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Delhi choked under a thick blanket of smog on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 498, which falls in the higher spectrum of 'severe' category.

Graphene: The 'Wonder Material' Poised to Revolutionise Water Purification

Graphene: The 'Wonder Material' Poised to Revolutionise Water Purification

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Scientists at the GraphIN 2026 conference in Kochi highlighted graphene's potential in water purification, discussing graphene-based membranes and nanocomposites for removing pollutants and improving desalination.

Delhi choked by worst AQI of the year, strict curbs kick in

Delhi choked by worst AQI of the year, strict curbs kick in

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

A thick layer of toxic smog enveloped the national capital on Saturday as air quality deteriorated sharply, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke the strictest curbs under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR.

Goa nightclub given licence without paper work: BJP MLA

Goa nightclub given licence without paper work: BJP MLA

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Goa BJP MLA Michael Lobo alleges that the license for the nightclub where 25 people died in a fire was issued without proper documentation by the local panchayat. He emphasizes the need for safety measures in Goa's tourist destinations.

Day after Diwali, Delhi records worst air quality since 2021

Day after Diwali, Delhi records worst air quality since 2021

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

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.

Migration debate takes centre stage in Kerala polls

Migration debate takes centre stage in Kerala polls

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Migration from Kerala has become a significant issue in the upcoming Assembly elections, with political parties promising to create more opportunities within the state to discourage emigration for studies and jobs. Experts suggest focusing on 'brain gain' strategies to attract talent back to Kerala after gaining experience abroad.

Burning eyes, headaches: How Delhi-NCR is reacting to toxic air

Burning eyes, headaches: How Delhi-NCR is reacting to toxic air

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

A recent survey reveals that a significant number of households in Delhi-NCR are experiencing health problems due to the worsening air quality, with residents reporting symptoms like sore throat, cough, and burning eyes.

Pollution-free environment a constitutional right, says HC

Pollution-free environment a constitutional right, says HC

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

The Bombay High Court has declared a pollution-free environment a constitutional right and criticized the Maharashtra government for failing to address the issue of air pollution in Mumbai. The court expressed its disappointment with the government's lack of initiative, stating that citizens should not suffer due to the inaction of authorities. The court highlighted the severe air pollution levels in Mumbai, especially along major roads, and ordered the traffic department to take immediate action to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

End of a toxic chapter: All 337 tonne of Union Carbide waste burnt to ashes

End of a toxic chapter: All 337 tonne of Union Carbide waste burnt to ashes

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

The waste disposal at the plant in Dhar district's Pithampur industrial area was undertaken following directives of the Madhya Pradesh high court.

Punjab Kesari Tells AAP Govt: 'We Won't Be Cowed Down'

Punjab Kesari Tells AAP Govt: 'We Won't Be Cowed Down'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

'If you want to force the press into blacking out the Opposition's views or colour the news to your own liking, we will not do so.' 'We stand by freedom of expression. It is our Constitutional right. We stand by our Constitutional right.'

Pollution: Centre announces staggered working hours for Delhi staffers

Pollution: Centre announces staggered working hours for Delhi staffers

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

The Indian government has announced staggered working hours for its employees in Delhi due to the severe air pollution in the city. The move comes after a week of 'severe' pollution levels, which have slightly improved but are still in the 'very poor' zone. The order also encourages employees to pool vehicles and use public transport to minimize vehicular pollution.

Delhi govt withdraws cases against Centre, LG filed by AAP

Delhi govt withdraws cases against Centre, LG filed by AAP

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Delhi government, now led by the BJP, has withdrawn all cases filed by the previous AAP administration against the Union government, the Lieutenant Governor, and several senior bureaucrats.

The Man Challenging 18% GST On Air Purifiers

The Man Challenging 18% GST On Air Purifiers

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

'If a common man wants to buy an air purifier for Rs 10,000, then he will have to shell out Rs 11,800 with 18 percent GST.' 'If he is charged GST at 5 percent the same air purifier will cost Rs 10,500.' 'This saves a one time amount of Rs 1,300 -- and that too just to breathe clean air.'

Fire-hit Goa nightclub ran under multiple names since 1999: Sawant

Fire-hit Goa nightclub ran under multiple names since 1999: Sawant

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The chief minister fielded a volley of questions from the Opposition benches regarding the fire that broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a nightclub at Arpora village in North Goa that claimed 25 lives last month.

Delhi shivers as cold day grips city, air quality plummets

Delhi shivers as cold day grips city, air quality plummets

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

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.

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The GST Council at its next meeting may consider a reduction in taxes on air and water purifiers as air quality across the country worsens and access to safe drinking water remains uneven.

Volcanic ash clouds to clear India by 7.30 pm; thick haze in Delhi

Volcanic ash clouds to clear India by 7.30 pm; thick haze in Delhi

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that ash clouds from volcanic activity in Ethiopia, which impacted flight operations in India, are drifting towards China and will move away from India by 7.30 pm on Tuesday.

Stubble burning: Why can't some farmers be arrested, asks SC

Stubble burning: Why can't some farmers be arrested, asks SC

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the increasing pollution levels during winter and has suggested that the Punjab government arrest farmers who engage in stubble burning. The court believes that this action would send a strong message and help curb air pollution.

MP struggles to dispose of 900 tonne of Bhopal toxic ash after HC order

MP struggles to dispose of 900 tonne of Bhopal toxic ash after HC order

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Nearly 900 tonnes of ash generated from the incineration of toxic waste linked to the Bhopal gas tragedy remains undispensed after the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the state government to find an alternative disposal site.

Is Renaming Govt Schemes A Solution?

Is Renaming Govt Schemes A Solution?

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

This has been our history of good governance: Things that were difficult to do and required planning and implementation were first taken up and then abandoned, notes Aaakr Patel.

SC slams TN pollution board in Jaggi Vasudev ashram case

SC slams TN pollution board in Jaggi Vasudev ashram case

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for delaying legal action against Isha Foundation, a yoga and meditation center founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, over alleged environmental violations. The court criticized the TNPCB for taking two years to challenge a Madras High Court ruling that quashed a showcause notice against the foundation. The court also emphasized the importance of environmental compliance for the yoga center, noting that it must meet all necessary parameters. The case highlights ongoing legal challenges and environmental concerns related to the Isha Foundation's activities.

Delhi gears up for first artificial rain through cloud seeding

Delhi gears up for first artificial rain through cloud seeding

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

Delhi is preparing for its first artificial rain through cloud seeding to combat air pollution. A trial run was successful, and the first rainfall is expected on October 29 if weather conditions are favorable.

Gulf War: 'Missiles Flew Past Us'

Gulf War: 'Missiles Flew Past Us'

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

'We are getting used to the constant alerts to take shelter, listening to sonic booms from jets flying above us, hearing news of neighbouring ports being targeted, and being the only ship in the terminal.'

5 Mumbai dargahs move HC against police action on loudspeakers

5 Mumbai dargahs move HC against police action on loudspeakers

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

The police have launched a crackdown against the use of directional loudspeakers (devices that focus sound in a specific direction) at religious structures in Mumbai pursuant to a court order.

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

During this Ramzan, another religious practice was turned into an offence: Breaking the fast, or iftar.