A new study reveals that approximately 70 per cent of the year-to-year variation in winter air pollution across northern India can be explained by the frequency of western disturbances. These storm systems, originating from the Mediterranean, help clear pollution through precipitation and ventilation. The findings suggest that predicting the frequency of these disturbances could provide advance warning of severe pollution, allowing for better preparedness and implementation of control measures.
A joint study by IIT Roorkee and IIT Kanpur has found that a black crust formed by air pollution is accelerating the deterioration of Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi. The crust, primarily gypsum, traps pollutants, weakening the sandstone and making the monument vulnerable to long-term damage. The study recommends conservation measures, pollution monitoring, and source reduction to protect the historical site.
Delhi is set to begin trial runs of 22 innovative solutions aimed at tackling air pollution, following an 'innovation challenge' that received 284 applications. The trials will assess the effectiveness of various devices in reducing particulate pollution at identified hotspots across the city.
Chief Justice of India considers shifting Supreme Court hearings to virtual mode due to severe air pollution in Delhi after experiencing its effects firsthand.
'It is high time to recognise that this is the greatest issue India is confronting.' 'Even the BJP should be raising concerns because polluted air suffocates everybody's child.'
The Delhi government has partnered with IIT Madras to conduct a pilot study on 'smog-eating' surfaces using photocatalytic materials like Titanium Dioxide to combat air pollution.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a complete ban on construction activities from December 10 to January 20 to combat severe winter air pollution. The government will use its AI-powered Dust Portal 2.0 and AI-enabled cameras to monitor construction sites over 500 square metres in real-time, issuing alerts and fines for violations. Citizens are encouraged to report non-compliance.
Air toxics emissions are high from older vehicles.
The national capital on Friday recorded a 24-hour average air quality index of 239. On Thursday, it was 315, the worst since February 12 when the AQI was 320.
Mundane as it may seem, this is in some ways a metaphor for the challenges facing the nation, argue Arvind Subramanian and Devesh Kapur in their new book, A Sixth Of Humanity.
Delhi cabinet minister Parvesh Verma launched a sharp attack on the previous AAP government, alleging failure to carry out basic civic works over the past decade, leading to issues like garbage mountains, broken roads, pollution, and Yamuna cleaning.
Doctors and researchers are increasingly concerned about the potential link between exposure to polluted air during pregnancy and its influence on foetal development, particularly the male reproductive system. While hypospadias, a common congenital abnormality, is multifactorial, endocrine-disrupting chemicals in air pollution are being investigated for their role. Experts call for more research and advise expectant mothers on preventive measures.
The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to list for hearing on November 10 a PIL seeking issuance of fresh guidelines on stubble burning to curb rising air pollution in Delhi and the national capital region (NCR).
'The answer is no, the entire country's is.' 'So why such obsession with Delhi?' 'But the most powerful people in India live here: The prime minister, civil servants, Supreme Court judges, MPs, diplomats, dadas of the media...' 'If they can't deal with their own problem, what chance does the rest of the country have, with its foul air, dying rivers, frothing lakes, and crumbling mountains?' says Shekhar Gupta.
A Lancet report reveals a significant increase in deaths attributable to PM2.5 pollution in India, with fossil fuels being a major contributing factor. The report highlights the economic and health consequences of air pollution and the urgent need for a transition to cleaner energy sources.
On November 18, the apex court directed all Delhi-NCR states to immediately set up teams to strictly enforce anti-pollution GRAP 4 restrictions, making it clear that the curbs would continue till further orders.
Squandering the relief due to rain, Delhi recorded a jump in pollution levels and a smoky haze returned on Monday after people flouted the ban on firecrackers on Diwali night.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that inducing artificial rain can only be attempted when there are clouds or moisture available.
The SC questioned the Delhi government over delay in implementation of stricter anti-pollution measures under GRAP-4, and said it will not allow scaling down of the preventive measures without its prior permission.
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.
'If you keep on irritating the body by allowing all kinds of pollutants to get into it, the body cells are going to get irritated and cancer will come.'
Terming the rise in air pollution in Delhi-NCR an "emergency" situation, the Supreme Court asked the Centre and the Delhi government on Saturday to take immediate measures to improve the air quality and suggested steps such as stopping vehicles and clamping a lockdown in the national capital.
The SC directed Delhi and NCR states to comply with these decisions which were taken at Tuesday's meeting to curb air pollution.
Don't ignore symptoms like coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, warns Dr Sandeep Tilve.
The Delhi government has ordered half of its staff to work from home, urging private organizations to follow suit as the national capital faces an alarmingly high level of air pollution. The move comes as Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 426 in the "severe" category, with residents reporting health issues. Essential services will continue to operate at full capacity. The government has also advised companies to provide shuttle bus services for employees and suggested that private entities consider shifting office hours to reduce traffic congestion.
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.
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.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi demands a Parliament debate on Delhi's air pollution crisis, criticizing Prime Minister Modi's silence and lack of action.
The severity of air pollution and dense Smog cover in the capital on Sunday led to the cancellation of the Ranji Trophy encounter between Bengal (rpt Bengal) and Gujarat at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on the second day itself. Both Bengal and Gujarat teams will be leaving Delhi on Monday for Kolkata and Ahmedabad respectively. The situation is not expected to improve for a few more days which effectively ruled out any chance of play. Match referee P Ranganathan, in consultation with BCCI and the respective state associations, decided that there is no point in waiting for two more days.
Heavy rainfall in Delhi led to widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and a significant drop in minimum temperatures across the city. Key areas like Lutyens' Delhi, Supreme Court, and AIIMS were affected, while the air quality remained satisfactory.
'Pollution acts as an endocrine disruptor.' 'When it acts as an endocrine disruptor it has an effect on the endocrine system of the human body and the effect on the pancreas is an important one.' 'The way you get type two diabetes is due to two defects.' 'One is the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin.' 'The other physiological defect is insulin resistance.'
'Crossing my fingers that it will be better in the summer when the World Championships take place in Delhi.'
Air pollution may lead to a faster spread of Covid-19 infection as it causes coughing and sneezing, government officials told a parliamentary panel on Friday, according to sources.
A new study by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed an integrated land-use regression (iLUR) model to map environmental noise across Delhi. This innovative approach combines geographical and real-time traffic data, including vehicle counts, speeds, and honking, to provide a more accurate and cost-effective understanding of noise distribution in the city's complex urban landscape. The model aims to help authorities plan targeted measures for noise control.
'Covid patients have infected lungs and the pollutants will further damage it.'
World No. 4 badminton player Anders Antonsen has called for the India Open tournament to be moved from its traditional January-February slot due to severe winter pollution in New Delhi. He described the conditions as "insane" and "not pleasant to play in," causing a burning sensation and poor visibility. Antonsen believes the current time of year is much better for hosting such events.
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.
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanulllah and Augustine George Masih said the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act of 2021 (CAQM Act) was enacted without creating required machinery for implementing the provision to curb air pollution.
Violation of the provisions entails a punishment of a jail term up to five years or with fine up to Rs 1 crore or with both, the ordinance released by the Ministry of Law and Justice on Thursday said.
Delhi is experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert, which is impacting ongoing preparations for the crucial BRICS Summit.
