Page 23 - Air Quality

Hyperlocal emissions behind spike in Delhi's air pollution after Dussehra

Delhi's air quality turned poor on Dussehra, though the early warning system of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology had predicted moderate to satisfactory air quality in the capital. IITM officials said that they did not record any substantial changes in parameters like temperature, wind speed and emissions from farm fires on October 5 and "hyperlocal emissions" could have impacted the air quality. The possible sources of these emissions could be the large number of effigies burnt on the occasion of Dussehra and during a political protest, they said. With the air quality in Delhi dropping to the 'poor' category on Wednesday, authorities in the National Capital Region (NCR) have been asked to strictly implement measures under "Stage 1" of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) which include penal and legal action against polluting industrial units. The Centre's sub-committee on GRAP noted in a meeting that there has been a "sudden dip" in air quality parameters in the regio

Delhi's air quality turns 'poor'; CAQM to enforce stage-1 control measures

Measures under stage-1 of the Graded Response Action Plan will be enforced in the NCR with immediate effect, according to an order issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management

Thermal plants not co-firing enough biomass likely to face penalty

The power ministry would also consider reducing coal supply to TPPs not complying with its policy on biomass co-firing, according to a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change statement

CPCB readies 40 teams to track polluters as NCR air quality worsens

Newly formed teams to help implement preemptive measure under revised GRAP; Delhi govt has created 300 separate teams

Centre concerned over Punjab's preparedness towards air quality management

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday expressed concern and dissatisfaction with the Punjab government's preparedness towards air quality management and noted a huge gap in the state's plan for stubble management. At a review meeting, Yadav said the Punjab government has not planned adequately for management of almost 5.75 million tons of stubble in the state which may have an adverse impact on the air quality in Delhi and the national capital region (NCR). He directed the governments of Punjab and NCR states to ensure timely and effective implementation of various components of the detailed plan of actions developed for the management of paddy stubble burning, the ministry said in a statement after the meeting. Yadav held a detailed review meeting on the measures and actions planned towards abatement of air pollution by all stakeholders concerned in the NCR region and adjoining areas in the wake of poor air quality conditions generally prevailing between October and

Centre to rank 131 cities based on actions to improve air quality

Cities are required to do the self-assessment as per the framework provided on PRANA online portal

Cabinet approves MoU for research work on air quality, climate change

Some of the possible activities under MoU are joint use and operation of scientific instruments, exchange of scientific and technical information

Delhi's air quality in May poorest for the month in three years: CPCB data

Delhi's air quality in May this year was the poorest for the month in the last three years, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data. Experts attributed the poor air quality to the lack of rainfall in the first half of the month. The city received just 1.4 mm of rainfall from May 1 to May 20, according to the India Meteorological Department. Delhi recorded an average air quality index (AQI) of 212 this year as against 144 in 2021 and 143 in 2020. It saw 21 days of "poor" air quality in 2022 as compared to three in 2021 and just two in 2020. The capital had only one day of "satisfactory" air quality this time as against six in 2021 and four in 2020. "Moderate" air quality days also dipped to nine as compared to 22 such days last year. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe', while the AQI above 500 falls in the 'severe plus' category.

India-first Google Search air quality feature now available in US

Google has expanded its feature to give detailed information about air quality to help people avoid pollution in the US.

Air pollution led to 100,000 premature deaths in India, finds study

The increase in the number of people dying prematurely from exposure to air pollution was highest in cities in South Asia.

99% world's population breathes poor-quality air: World Health Organisation

Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular (stroke) and respiratory impacts

Air quality standards: Delhi still most-polluted capital in world in 2021

In 2021, none of the cities in India met the prescribed World Health Organization air quality standards of 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), stated the World Air Quality Report 2021

Bihar, Delhi-NCR top pollution charts, air quality major crisis: CSE

The particulate pollution spiked and stayed elevated with varying intensity across all regions during the winter of 2021-22

Delhi's air quality 'moderate', likely to degrade slightly on Monday

On February 22, the air quality is expected to improve to 'lower end of Moderate' due to relatively high temperature and wind speed

Delhi's air quality continues to remain in 'poor' category, AQI at 280

The level of PM 2.5 and PM 10 was recorded at 114 in the 'poor' category and 206 in the 'moderate' category respectively.

Delhi receives light rain, AQI continues to remain in 'very poor' category

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said has predicted a generally cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle in Delhi today.

No relief for Delhi as air quality remains 'very poor' despite light rain

The concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were recorded at 136 in the 'very poor' and 221 in the 'moderate' category respectively

Heavy rains lash national capital; thunderstorms, strong winds likely

Despite rainfall, Delhi's air quality was recorded in the ''very poor'' category as the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 324 at 8.05 am

Delhi's air quality remains in very poor category despite light rain

The concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were recorded at 143 in the 'very poor' and 228 in the 'moderate' category respectively.

Delhi's air quality continues to remain in 'very poor' quality, AQI at 343

The concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were recorded at 176 in the 'very poor' and 280 in the 'moderate' category respectively