Delhi Air Pollution: Call on work-from-home, odd-even measures to be taken soon, says Gopal Rai

Delhi Air Quality: All schools in UP's NCR districts go online

Schools in all eight districts of western Uttar Pradesh within the National Capital Region (NCR) have been instructed to shift to online classes due to worsening air pollution, officials announced on Tuesday.

The affected districts include Meerut, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Baghpat, Hapur (all part of the Meerut Division), Muzaffarnagar, and Shamli.

The NCR covers Delhi, 14 districts of Haryana, two districts of Rajasthan, and eight districts of Uttar Pradesh, spanning an area of 14,826 square kilometers in the state.

"All schools in these districts have been directed to conduct classes online until further notice due to high pollution levels," said Divisional Commissioner (Meerut) Selva Kumari J.

Delhi Pollution: BJP protests against AAP govt, distributes masks amid pollution crisis

BJP leaders on Tuesday staged a protest against the AAP government and distributed face masks at the most polluted areas of the city, Anand Vihar and ITO, as Delhi continued to grapple with severe air pollution. During an awareness-cum-mask distribution programme at Anand Vihar, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva slammed Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal and chief minister Atishi, alleging the government's inaction in addressing the pollution crisis.

Delhi Air Pollution: CJI says judges asked to allow virtual hearings wherever possible

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday announced that instructions have been issued to all judges to facilitate virtual court proceedings when feasible, considering the critical air pollution situation in the Delhi-NCR region. Read more

Delhi’s air quality remains toxic as it stays in the 'severe plus' category. A View of the Lotus Temple.

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Gopal Rai writes to union environment minister Bhupender Yadav

Delhi Air Quality: About 900 fire counts were seen in Punjab yesterday, says Dr Ravindra Khaiwal

On air pollution, Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environment Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh says, "The highest number of fire counts were seen on November 8. Then based on the wind direction and pattern, we saw that the pollutant load from Haryana and Punjab got added to the existing pollution in Delhi and due to this, the air quality in Delhi became severe. We are still seeing the same pattern, about 900 fire counts were seen in Punjab yesterday."

Further he stated," The prevailing wind pattern is again going towards Delhi from over Haryana and Punjab. And then Agra, Kanpur and nearby NCR areas, including Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, will be affected by this. So the wind direction is telling that the stubble pollution will get added to the existing pollution and this will increase the pollution load. Yesterday, the highest number of fire counts so far was seen in Punjab. If we talk about the last 7 days, there have been 5871 fire counts in Madhya Pradesh, 2034 in Punjab, 1613 in UP, about 1100 in Telangana, about 950 in Rajasthan, about 725 in Jharkhand. So we can say that Punjab is at second place in terms of fire counts in the last one week"

Delhi Air Pollution Live: India is currently facing a medical emergency, says Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai

"The entire northern region of India is currently facing a medical emergency due to pollution. People are finding it difficult to breath. It is disappointing that we received no response over the first letter we wrote to the Union Environment Minister on August 30 regarding cloud seeding to tackle this emergency. We wrote again on October 10 and then on October 23, but still no reply. I appeal to the PM to immediately intervene in this matter," says Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Delhi air pollution crisis.

GRAP should be implemented across North India; rules being violated in BJP-led states: Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai.

Delhi Air Quality: Time has come for artificial rain to remove smog cover, says Delhi Minister Gopal Rai

"We have been consulting several experts over how to remove the smog cover (in Delhi). We believe that the time has come for artificial rain to remove this smog cover and provide relief to the people. I am writing a letter to the Union Environment Bhupendra Yadav requesting him to call an emergency meeting. The Delhi government, experts from IIT-Kanpur, who have done research on artificial rain, and all concerned departments should be called in the meeting to immediately initiate steps for artificial rain," says Delhi Minister Gopal Rai during a press conference.

Will again ask union environment minister to call emergency meeting on pollution, allow artificial rain: Delhi minister Rai.

BJP's environment minister sleeping over Delhi govt's repeated request to call emergency meet over dire pollution situation: Gopal Rai

Delhi Air Pollution Live: In last 2-3 days, air quality deteriorated, says Rajasthan pollution control board member secretary Vijai N

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Physical classes in all schools suspended in District Gautam Buddha Nagar

Due to the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and NCR, physical classes in all schools in Gautam Buddha Nagar district have been suspended until November 23. The district's Air Quality Index surpassed 450, entering the 'severe+' category on November 17. In line with Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), schools from Pre-School to Class 12 are directed to conduct online classes only. The decision was communicated by the District Magistrate in an order issued on November 18.

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Experts call for ending fossil fuel reliance; prioritise clean energy

Aarti Khosla, Director of Climate Trends, emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address air pollution at a press conference in Baku during the event "Health at the Heart of Climate Action: Urgent Call to End Fossil Fuel Reliance."

"Delhi's air quality index is nearing 450, with some areas reaching 1000 µg/m³," Khosla stated. "Pollution in Delhi is not coming from a single source but a mix of black carbon, ozone, fumes from burning fossil fuels, and farm fires. This requires a multidisciplinary solution. With La Nina causing a drop in temperatures and poor wind circulation, pollutants are trapped in the air. We must respond urgently to the climate challenges the world is facing," she added.

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Jamia Millia Islamia to conduct online classes until 23rd November

Delhi Air Pollution Live: In any case, hybrid hearing is continuing and lawyers can opt for virtual mode, says CJI Sanjiv Khanna

Delhi Air Pollution Live: 33 out of 36 monitoring stations registered AQI values exceeding 490

Watch: A layer of smog continues to shroud Delhi as air quality in the city remains in 'severe' category on Tuesday

Delhi Air Pollution Live: People of NDMC on the streets but not Delhi Govt and MCD, says Kuljeet Singh Chahal

"We are conducting mechanised sweeping to reduce dust from the roads which will help in reducing pollution. We are also using anti-smog machines and sprinklers. The people of NDMC are also visiting construction sites to stop the work. You will see the people of NDMC on the streets but nowhere will you find people of Delhi Govt and MCD," said Vice chairman of NDMC, Kuljeet Singh Chahal.

Delhi air pollution takes centre stage at COP29

Delhi's critical air quality took center stage at COP29, where experts highlighted the severe health risks posed by air pollution and stressed the need for urgent global action.

Aarti Khosla, Director of Climate Trends, noted that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had surged to hazardous levels, with particulate pollution exceeding 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter in some areas. "Pollution stems from multiple sources, including black carbon, ozone, fossil fuel combustion, and stubble burning. Comprehensive solutions addressing all these factors are essential."

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Gopal Rai urges centre to act on North India’s pollution crisis

Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai emphasized on Monday that the Delhi government is taking all necessary steps to address the escalating pollution crisis while urging the BJP-led Central government to act swiftly to protect not just Delhi but the entire North Indian region.

"The Delhi government is doing everything within its capacity. We have instructed officials to enforce GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage IV guidelines strictly. I call on the Central government to implement emergency measures to safeguard North India from this worsening crisis," said Rai.

Delhi Air Quality: Zoo tackles winter pollution with water sprinklers and special diet for animals

Special measures have been introduced at the Delhi Zoo to combat rising air pollution and protect wildlife from its harmful effects. The zoo has implemented water sprinklers and other initiatives to ensure the health and comfort of the animals.

Dr. Sanjeet Kumar, Director of the National Zoological Park, highlighted the dual challenges faced during the winter season. "With the onset of winter, we encounter two main issues: rising pollution levels after Diwali and the cold weather. Although the zoo is surrounded by greenery and no diesel or petrol vehicles are allowed inside, we use water sprinklers to mitigate pollution," he explained.

To further protect the animals, the zoo has taken steps to manage winter conditions. "A special vehicle sprays fine water droplets to control pollution. We also provide the animals with a fat-rich winter diet and have installed heaters to keep them warm," Dr. Kumar added.

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Delhi barely livable, says Congress leader Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor has criticized the government for its inaction over Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis, calling the situation "unconscionable."

Highlighting Delhi's grim air quality ranking, Tharoor shared a list of the 'Most Polluted Cities' on X, stating, "Delhi is officially the most polluted city in the world, with pollution levels four times the hazardous threshold and nearly five times worse than Dhaka, the second most polluted city. It is unconscionable that our government has been witnessing this nightmare for years without taking meaningful action."

Tharoor, who has hosted Air Quality Round Tables since 2015, expressed his frustration over the lack of change. "I stopped the initiative last year because nothing seemed to improve, and no one appeared to care," he said.

He further questioned Delhi's status as the nation's capital, remarking, "This city is essentially uninhabitable from November to January and barely liveable the rest of the year. Should it even remain the nation's capital?"

Delhi Air Pollution: Someone is ill in every house in city, says Virendra Sachdeva

"There's slow poison in the air and that is why we are saying that there is an emergency on breathing in Delhi. This is the result of Kejriwal government doing nothing in the last 10 years. Someone is ill in every house of Delhi. Why the Supreme Court reprimanded the Delhi government? The reason is clear that the Delhi government has not done any work. They repeatedly blame other states," says Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva.

Delhi Pollution: AAP govt done nothing but lie to people, says BJP MP Harsh Malhotra

"Breathing in Delhi has become difficult today. The situation here is not good. For the past 10 years, the AAP government has done nothing but lie to the people of Delhi. They have not taken any action against pollution in these 10 years," says Union Minister and BJP MP Harsh Malhotra.

Delhi Air Quality: Inhaling pollution equivalent to smoking 200 cigarettes daily, says BJP MP Manoj Tiwari

"The AAP government has turned Delhi into a very dangerous gas chamber. People here are inhaling pollution equivalent to smoking 200 cigarettes daily, yet the state government shows no concern," said BJP MP Manoj Tiwari while distributing masks near Palika Bazar.

Delhi AQI today: Harsh Malhotra and Virendra Sachdeva join BJP Yuva Morcha workers to hold protest and distribute masks

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Pollution level in city is so dangerous, says BJP MP Manoj Tiwari

"The pollution level in Delhi is so dangerous right now that walking around without a mask is putting your life at serious risk. In this situation, we are trying to raise awareness. I know that we will not be able to help the entire population of Delhi, but it will definitely make people more conscious," said BJP MP Manoj Tiwari while distributing masks near Palika Bazar.

Pollution chokes Delhi-NCR: AQI nears 500 marks, train services disrupted

Delhi woke up to another day of "severe plus" air quality on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Read more

Delhi Air Pollution Live: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari distributes masks to the public at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Delhi PM2.5 levels hit 20 times safe limit

Several areas in Delhi saw dangerously high levels of PM2.5, with Mundka recording an hourly concentration of 1,193 micrograms per cubic metre on Monday at 1pm. This was 20 times higher than the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) of 60 micrograms per cubic metre, and 80 times above the World Health Organization's daily safe guideline of 15 micrograms per cubic metre, as per the Delhi Pollution Control Committee's data.

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Schools shut, JNU goes online as AQI hits 'severe'

Amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has announced a shift to online classes until November 22 due to severe pollution and hazardous AQI levels in Delhi and NCR.

Similarly, the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Gurugram has ordered the suspension of all physical classes up to the 12th standard from November 19 to November 23, 2024, or until further notice, following directives from the Haryana Directorate of Secondary Education and an assessment of the AQI situation.

Air quality has worsened across several cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and northern India, with pollution levels reaching the "severe" category, sparking widespread health concerns.

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Trains' movement continues amid smog in Delhi

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Polluted air is invisible killer, says Dr. Arvind Kumar

As Delhi residents stayed indoors or donned masks to avoid toxic air, Dr. Arvind Kumar, a chest surgeon and founder of the Lung Care Foundation and Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action, cautioned about the dire health consequences of pollution. He stated, "Polluted air is an invisible killer. With every breath we take, it silently wreaks havoc on our health. From triggering asthma attacks in children to contributing to heart disease, lung cancer, and cognitive decline, the impact of emissions cuts across generations, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities."

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Criticism of delayed action by CAQM

The Supreme Court criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its "wait and watch" approach. It directed the commission to act promptly when AQI breaches thresholds, instead of relying on meteorological forecasts for improvement. SC also highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in enforcing air pollution control measures.

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Industrial operations suspended

All polluting industries in Delhi and the NCR were instructed to shut down as part of the GRAP-IV restrictions. Only industries providing essential services or using clean fuels like CNG were exempted, aiming to reduce industrial emissions.

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Punjab fire count at season’s high of 1,251

Experts attributed the spike in Delhi's AQI to a combination of factors, including high local and regional pollution levels, stubble burning, and unfavorable meteorological conditions such as calm winds, dense fog, low temperatures, and inversion. On Monday, Punjab recorded 1,251 farm fires, the highest single-day tally of the season. Other states also reported stubble burning incidents: Haryana (36), Uttar Pradesh (133), Rajasthan (152), and Madhya Pradesh (639). Stubble burning contributed 25.1% to Delhi's PM2.5 levels on Saturday, though data for Sunday and Monday was unavailable.

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Physical classes halted for all students

The court ordered an immediate halt to physical classes for all students up to Class 12, noting the risks posed by hazardous air quality. It criticized the continued operation of school buses and emphasized prioritizing students' health over exams.

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Strict implementation of GRAP-IV

The Supreme Court directed Delhi and NCR states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab, to strictly enforce Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The court emphasized that these measures must remain in place until further orders, even if the AQI improves to below the 'severe' threshold of 401.