Edition

English

News
City News
delhi News
Delhi Air Pollution Live Updates: 50 percent of government offices in Delhi to switch to work-from-home mode

THE TIMES OF INDIA | Nov 20, 2024, 15:50:41 IST

Delhi Air Pollution Live Updates: 50 percent of government offices in Delhi to switch to work-from-home mode

Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘severe-plus’ category, with an AQI of 460 and toxic PM2.5 levels far above safety standards. GRAP Stage IV measures are in force, but experts predict no significant improvement in the coming days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Stay with TOI for latest updates

15:50 (IST) Nov 20

Air pollution: Delhi’s worst showings

14:08 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi cloud seeding: It’s raining letters, but no progress yet

Delhi govt, which repeatedly stated that it is exploring artificial rain as an emergency solution to the city's pollution woes, sent a letter requesting a detailed proposal from IIT Kanpur in Oct, an RTI reply states. However, to the RTI query filed by a city-based environment activist, Delhi govt's environment department has said that it is yet to receive a reply from IIT Kanpur.

14:03 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi pollution: 50 % Govt employees to switch to work-from-home mode amidst poor air quality

Delhi environment minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai announced on Wednesday that government offices in Delhi will switch to work-from-home for 50 per cent of the employees as a measure to curb pollution in the national capital. The Delhi Minister also said that a meeting will be held with concerned officials for the implementation of the measure today in the Secretariat. The air quality in the national capital deteriorated back into 'severe' category on Wednesday morning as a thin blanket of smog covered parts of the city, reducing visibility and the quality of air touching a low level of air quality index (AQI).

12:45 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution: Low visibility and high pollutant levels

Visibility on Tuesday was 600m at Safdarjung and 1,000m at Palam, as shallow fog and mist persisted. PM2.5 levels ranged between 287.2 to 422.2 µg/m³, significantly above the national limit of 60 µg/m³. PM10 levels were also alarmingly high, peaking at 578.6 µg/m³.

12:04 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution: Revised stubble burning data

The Decision Support System (DSS) revised its stubble burning contribution estimate from 37.5% to 21.5%, factoring in emissions from firecrackers during the wedding season.

11:11 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi AQI: Air quality turns 'severe' again

Delhi's air quality deteriorated back into the 'severe' category, with an AQI of 424, on Wednesday morning. A thin layer of smog covered parts of the city, reducing visibility and worsening air quality.

Daily Puzzles

Connect

The Perfect Trace

Play Now

Loop The Loop

Puzzle Circuit

Play Now

Daily Crossword

Special puzzle

Play Now

Classic Matrix

Number Play

Play Now

Mini Crossword

Lite Challenge

Play Now

10:33 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution: Smog blankets Kartavya Path area

— ANI (@ANI)

10:14 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution: Train delays as smog lingers

— ANI (@ANI)

09:51 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution: Toxic foam floats on Yamuna

— ANI (@ANI)

09:27 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution: Work-from-home for 50% govt employees, announced environment minister Gopal Rai

In response to the city's severe pollution levels, Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai announced on Wednesday that 50% of government employees will work from home. The move aims to reduce the carbon footprint amid the ongoing air quality crisis.

09:00 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution: ‘Stay indoors, stay protected’

Wear big glasses that cover the eyes and the area around the face.
Use eye-lubricant drops and gels prescribed by a doctor. Avoid using contact lenses
Stay hydrated for better immunity and take supplements
Take all possible precautions, such as going out for walks when the pollution is less
Install good quality air puri?ers at home
Exercise indoors as it improves overall well-being

08:34 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution: City's cloud seeding plan stuck

Delhi’s plan for artificial rain to combat pollution faces delays due to lack of permissions and unresolved issues. An RTI revealed the Delhi government sought a proposal from IIT Kanpur in October, but the institute did not respond, citing a similar proposal sent last year. IIT Kanpur stated that permissions for cloud seeding are pending.

08:04 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution: Air ‘severe’ in Gurgaon, share of emissions from vehicles at 26%

Gurgaon recorded ‘severe’ air quality for the second day on Tuesday, with an AQI of 402, down from 469 on Monday, due to stronger overnight winds. While Sector 51 registered an AQI of 408, Gwalpahari hit a near-maximum 494.
Vehicle registrations in Gurgaon have grown at 9.7% annually, adding to the crisis, according to the Centre for Science and Environment. Noida (AQI 370) and Faridabad (320) saw slight improvements but remained in the ‘very poor’ category. Effective emission control measures are urged.

07:50 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Quality: AQI at 460, may not improve much today

Delhi's air quality remained in the ‘severe-plus’ category for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, exposing residents to extremely toxic air. Most areas in the capital stayed firmly within the ‘severe’ range, with experts warning of little chance for significant improvement in the coming days.

07:48 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Quality: Enforce GRAP in letter and spirit

The United Residents Joint Action (URJA) of Delhi has raised concerns about inconsistent implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in a letter to the Central Air Quality Management (CAQM). URJA highlighted that measures effectively executed during events like the G-20 Summit are missing under GRAP III and IV, leading to traffic congestion and worsening pollution. The group criticized inadequate personnel deployment, poor waste management, and lack of enforcement.

07:42 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution Live: Sudden chill as temp falls to season’s lowest

Minimum temperatures fell sharply in Delhi Tuesday, with early morning chill finally setting in. Safdarjung recorded a low of 12.3 degrees C, four notches below the previous day’s minimum, touching normal for the first time this month. Ridge was the coldest spot at 8.8 degrees C.

07:41 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution: Weather predictions

Experts from Skymet and IITM warned of persistent severe air quality, with forecasts indicating little to no improvement until November 22. The next week could see air quality fluctuate between 'severe' and 'very poor,' driven by low wind speeds, shallow fog, and high pollutant concentrations in the atmosphere.

07:40 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Pollution: GRAP-IV measures enforced strictly

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV remained in force, banning construction and demolition activities except for essential projects. Entry of non-essential trucks was prohibited, and industries violating norms faced stringent action. These measures are expected to stay until at least Monday, November 25.

07:40 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi AQI today: Impact on visibility and health risks

Delhi experienced reduced visibility with Safdarjung recording 600 meters and Palam 1,000 meters.

PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in Delhi reached 7-8 times higher than national standards, exacerbating health concerns for residents.

07:38 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Quality: Minimal improvement despite shifting fog

Although dense fog that trapped pollutants moved eastward toward western Uttar Pradesh, pollution levels in Delhi showed negligible improvement. Experts noted that low wind speeds and high moisture in the air continued to hinder the dispersion of pollutants, maintaining critical air quality conditions.

07:38 (IST) Nov 20

Delhi Air Pollution: AQI remains in severe-plus category

Delhi's air quality stayed in the 'severe-plus' category for the second consecutive day, with an average AQI of 460 on Tuesday. This was only slightly better than Monday’s AQI of 494, which was the second-worst air day on record. Toxic haze persisted, leaving residents exposed to hazardous air.

Delhi’s air quality plunged back into the ‘severe’ category on Wednesday morning, recording an AQI of 424. A thin layer of smog blanketed parts of the city, reducing visibility and worsening health hazards. Despite a shift in fog towards western Uttar Pradesh, pollution levels showed minimal improvement due to low wind speeds and high moisture.

Delhi’s proposal for artificial rain as a pollution-control measure remains stalled. An RTI revealed that while the government approached IIT Kanpur in October, the institute declined to act on the proposal, citing a similar plan submitted last year. Pending permissions for cloud seeding further delayed progress.

The city recorded an average AQI of 460 on Tuesday, marking the second consecutive day in the 'severe-plus' category. PM2.5 and PM10 levels remained alarmingly high, far exceeding national and WHO standards, posing significant health risks to residents.

Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) continues to enforce strict measures, including a ban on non-essential construction, demolition, and entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods into the city. These steps aim to curb emissions and mitigate the pollution crisis.

Experts have warned that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘severe’ category until November 22, with only marginal improvements expected thereafter. Weather conditions, including stagnant winds and high moisture, continue to hinder pollutant dispersion, prolonging the toxic haze over the city.

Trending