Delhi-NCR remains gripped by a severe cold wave, with dense fog reducing visibility to near zero in various parts of the capital
Delhi air quality: As the city remains under the grip of a cold wave, dense fog reduced visibility across various areas
Despite the easing of Stage-III restrictions, authorities have urged citizens to adhere to GRAP-II guidelines, particularly as weather conditions during winter can exacerbate pollution levels
Amid the sharp deterioration in air quality due to unfavourable weather conditions, the Centre's panel on Delhi-NCR air quality reinstated Stage 3 anti-pollution measures
While LA's wildfires and resultant pollution have triggered immediate public health warnings and school closures, Delhi's residents endure severe air pollution with little comparable response
An intense cold wave swept through Delhi early Wednesday, causing a sharp drop in temperatures and bringing chilly winds
Indian cities achieved an average 27 per cent reduction in PM2.5 pollution levels from 2019 to 2024, with those under NCAP alone recording a 24 per cent decline, a new report has found. According to the report by climate tech firm Respirer Living Sciences, Varanasi and Moradabad reduced PM2.5 levels by 76 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively. Other top performers include Kalaburagi (57.2 per cent), Meerut (57.1 per cent), Katni (56.3 per cent), Agra (54.1 per cent), Baghpat (53.3 per cent), Kanpur (51.2 per cent) and Jodhpur (50.5 per cent). "Air quality has improved considerably, with a 27 per cent decline in PM2.5 levels across all monitored cities since 2019. NCAP (National Clean Air Programme) cities alone achieved a 24 per cent reduction, showing progress in combating air pollution," according to the report. Despite the improvements, several cities remain highly polluted. In 2024, Delhi recorded PM2.5 levels of 107 microgrammes per cubic metre while Byrnihat in Assam report
Despite the rain lashing parts of the national capital on Monday, December 6, Delhiites did not get any relief from the worsening air quality
Experts anticipate that the air quality will improve to the "poor" range by Tuesday, thanks to the expected rainfall
The AQI levels fell into the "severe" category in areas like RK Puram (401), Siri Fort (426), Patparganj (410), and Dwarka Sector-8 (405), among others
In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced the reimplementation of stricter pollution control measures under Grap Stage III
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday said it was monitoring pollution levels in Navy Nagar and Shivaji Nagar as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in these areas has exceeded 200. It will implement the same measures in these two areas as implemented in Borivali East and Byculla where the air quality has improved, said municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. An AQI between 200 and 300 denotes 'poor' air quality. "Currently we are keeping a watch on Navy Nagar and Shivaji Nagar," the commissioner said at a press conference. If the situation (AQI level above 200) remains unchanged, action such as stopping construction works will be taken, Gagrani added. Navy Nagar is located on the southern tip of Mumbai's Island City, while Shivaji Nagar is part of the eastern suburbs of the megapolis. Navy Nagar mainly houses defense installations, while the Deonar dumping ground and several other polluting establishments are located close to Shivaji Nagar. The AQI in Borivali East, a
Delhi International Airport issued advisories warning passengers of potential flight delays due to low visibility conditions
Earlier in the week, on Monday, the capital saw a temporary improvement in air quality, with levels shifting to the "moderate" category after heavy rainfall over the weekend
In 2024, Delhi witnessed a continued deterioration in air quality, enduring the highest number of 'severe' AQI days since 2022
Thanks to the rain spells over the weekend, Delhi's average AQI this December was 294, making it the cleanest December since AQI monitoring began in 2015
With an average Air Quality Index of 294, Delhi has recorded its cleanest December air since the introduction of the AQI system in 2015. This improvement can be attributed to strong, consistent winds in the first half of the month and record-breaking rainfall in the second, officials said. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), December marked Delhi's cleanest first half ever, with only one 'very poor' air day recorded between December 1 and December 15. On Monday, the AQI stood at 173, in the "moderate" category, a significant improvement from Sunday's 225 (poor). This marked the eighth moderate air quality day this month, with the capital previously recording no more than three moderate days in December. The lowest AQI of this month was recorded on December 28, at 139, marking the cleanest December day on record. The average AQI during this period stood at 238, significantly lower than the usual AQI of over 300 for this time of year. In comparison, .
Intermittent showers over the past few days have helped reduce pollution levels in the national capital
On Friday, the restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) III were revoked in Delhi-NCR after the air quality improved following a day of continuous showers
Intermittent showers over the past two days have reduced pollution levels in the national capital