Page 35 - Delhi Air Quality

As Delhi chokes, Shashi Tharoor asks if the capital deserves a new home

'Our government has been witnessing this nightmare for years and does nothing about it,' said Shashi Tharoor

Indian firms tackle air pollution with flexible work, install air purifiers

The Delhi government has enforced GRAP Stage IV, banning diesel vehicles, restricting non-essential trucks, halting construction, and urging work-from-home to combat severe air pollution

Smog disrupts supply chains, output for 3.4 million MSMEs in north India

Air pollution: Industry bodies say prolonged smog exposure is affecting workers' health, leading to reduced productivity and extended production delays

Punjab farm fires peak as SC blasts authorities over pollution crisis

Despite reports of declining farm fires in Punjab, many now occur later in the day, possibly evading satellite detection

Delhi's air pollution takes centre stage at COP29, experts call for action

Delhi's hazardous air quality was a key focus at COP29, as experts warned about the health risks of air pollution and called for immediate global action. Aarti Khosla, Director of Climate Trends, sais that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) had reached dangerous levels, with some areas recording particulate pollution above 1,000 microgram per cubic metre. Pollution comes from many sources like black carbon, ozone, burning fossil fuels, and farm fires. We need solutions that tackle all of these, she said. Khosla also explained that low wind speeds during the La Nia weather pattern are trapping pollutants in the air, making the situation worse. While we discuss major global issues, millions of people's health is at risk. We must act fast, she said. Courtney Howard, Vice-Chair of the Global Climate and Health Alliance, shared her experience from Canada, where wildfires forced the evacuation of 70 per cent of her population in 2023. This was expensive, even for a rich country like ours. ..

Health secy issues advisory as AQI worsens, SC enforces Grap IV in Delhi

The advisory includes recommendations for states and UTs to strengthen existing health systems and raise awareness among vulnerable groups and at-risk occupations

Physical classes in Delhi schools, DU to be suspended due to air pollution

Delhi University would shift to online classes till November 23, the varsity announced amid worsening air quality levels in the city. The decision comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has reached "alarmingly high" levels, prompting concerns about health and safety. Delhi's had an AQI reading of 494 at 4 pm. In a notification, the university stated, "In the larger interest of students of the colleges and the departments of the University of Delhi, it has been decided that the classes shall be conducted in online mode till Saturday the 23rd November, 2024. Regular classes in physical mode to resume from Monday, the 25th November 2024." The schedule of examinations and interviews, however, remains unchanged, it said. The Delhi government has termed the worsening air quality a "medical emergency" and urged institutions to take preventive measures to safeguard public health. The city's air pollution has been exacerbated by weather conditio

Over 370 flights delayed at Delhi airport as smog engulfs national capital

According to Flightradar24 data, till 2 PM, about 110 arrivals were delayed at the national capital's airport. Moreover, about 269 departures were also delayed at this airport

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Delhi air pollution: What are different GRAP Stages and their restrictions?

In response to the worsening AQI in Delhi-NCR, Delhi govt imposed GRAP IV from today. GRAP 4 means ban on diesel-run medium, heavy good vehicles registered in Delhi except those carrying essentials

Air purifier and mask sales surge as Delhi-NCR battles severe air pollution

With air pollution levels escalating to alarming levels in Delhi and the National Capital Region, the sale of air purifiers and masks have surged significantly, according to traders in the city. Delhi's air quality plummeted to the 'severe plus' category on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 484 its worst reading this season, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As Delhiites struggles to breathe, traders said the demand for air purifiers and masks have increased as many residents see the equipment as a necessity to safeguard their health. Vijendra Mohan, the owner of Air Expert India, a dealership in Indirapuram, said their air purifier sales have witnessed a significant increase after air pollution breached the 'severe' level. "Earlier, we used to sell around 20 purifiers a day, sometimes even over two days. Now, the numbers have doubled to 40 per day. Air purifiers have become essential for households, and I am receiving over 150 inquiries ..

Delhi: Central govt employees asks WFH amid hazardous air quality

Highlighting the alarming deterioration in Delhi's air quality, a body representing the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officers on Monday demanded work-from-home, staggered working hours and air purifiers in all office buildings to mitigate the health impact of the severe pollution levels. In a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the association said that poor air quality has also had a noticeable effect on workplace productivity with employees experiencing symptoms such as respiratory issues, eye irritation, fatigue and general discomfort. "It has become imperative to take urgent measures to ensure the well-being of all, particularly those engaged in government services," said the letter by the CSS Forum. It said continuous exposure to hazardous air quality is leading to a surge in respiratory ailments and other health issues among employees and their families. "The discomfort caused by poor air quality is affecting the efficiency and out

Breathing or smoking? Delhi's air now equals 49 cigarettes per day

The national capital grapples with a serious pollution crisis as Air Quality Index soars to 978, equivalent to smoking 49 cigarettes a day

Life-threatening air quality in Delhi-NCR: What can citizens, govt do now?

As per experts, air pollution has far-reaching effects on various organs in the body. For the lungs, it can lead to conditions like allergic rhinitis, asthma, COPD, as well as lung cancer

Schools till class 9 move online amid severe plus air quality in Delhi-NCR

Amid worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, additional restrictions like restrictions on diesel-powered vehicles and entry of trucks with non-essential items is implemented to control the air pollution

Eleven flights diverted, many delayed at Delhi airport due to bad weather

In addition to flight diversions, the smoggy conditions in Delhi-NCR have led to disruption in railway services also, with several trains experiencing delay in their arrival at the railway station

Grap-IV restrictions to remain until further notice: SC tells Delhi govt

Delhi pollution: Amid rising pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region, Grap-IV came into effect 8 am on Monday morning, as air quality dropped to 481

'Politics on pollution': Atishi blames Centre as Delhi gasps for air

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi blamed farm fires in neighboring states - excluding Punjab, where her party also governs - for the capital's air crisis

Delhi pollution: Blame thermal plants, not just farmers for toxic air

A research by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reveals that thermal power plants in the national capital region release 16 times more air pollutants than stubble burning

Delhi chokes under toxic smog as AQI hits highest level this year

Delhi authorities directed all schools to move classes online and tightened restrictions on construction activities