Page 21 - Delhi Pollution

Delhi's AQI hits 'very poor' as air quality worsens amid pollution crisis

Delhi's air quality hits 'very poor' with an AQI of 307; firecracker ban in effect until January 1 as authorities aim to curb pollution

BJP's 'dirty politics' responsible for growing pollution in Delhi: Atishi

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Sunday said one of the biggest contributors to pollution in the Anand Vihar area is the influx of buses from other states, adding the Delhi government will engage with the Uttar Pradesh government to implement anti-pollution measures at their bus depot near the national capital. She made these remarks while inspecting pollution control measures at the Anand Vihar bus depot along with Environment Minister Gopal Rai. Highlighting the issue, Atishi said, "Anand Vihar, which lies on the Delhi-UP border, remains a hotspot where AQI levels are the highest. This area sees a large influx of buses from outside Delhi, and there is also the Kaushambi bus depot nearby. While Delhi runs CNG and electric buses, the Kaushambi bus depot receives diesel buses. We plan to engage with the UP government to implement pollution control measures there as well. Constructions by the NCRTC and RRTS has also contributed to pollution levels in the area, she said, adding the Delhi

Delhi's ban, barium blues hit country's fireworks capital Sivakasi

The ban on barium has impacted the production of key items like sparklers, chakris, anars, twinkling stars, and pencils

'Absolute defiance': SC slams Punjab, Haryana over stubble burning

Terms air pollution monitoring panel in NCR as 'toothless wonder'; summons Haryana chief secretary to explain non-compliance and lack of strict measures against offenders

Teams formed for dust control; smog guns to be deployed: CM Atishi

Chief Minister Atishi on Tuesday announced that 99 teams will inspect private and government construction sites in Delhi to ensure compliance with dust mitigation measures, as GRAP Stage 1 has been implemented along with other related measures. The Delhi government convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday, led by the chief minister Atishi, to review the implementation of the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The meeting included representatives from various departments such as the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the revenue department among others. Speaking after the meeting, Atishi emphasised the urgency of addressing pollution, noting that the city has experienced an increase in "good air days" this year. However, with the air quality falling into the "poor" category over the past two days, the government has activated GRAP Stage 1 restrictions. Under this stage, 33 teams each fr

500 km of bad roads: Delhi govt's increasing pollution woes

A recent survey conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi indicates that nearly 500 km of roads are in dilapidated state, significantly adding to dust pollution

As Delhi air quality turns 'red', here's what is prohibited under Grap-I

The air pollution control measures, as outlined in the 27-point Grap-I action plan, came into effect across the National Capital Region starting at 8 am on October 15

Delhi CM to chair meeting of top officials to review air pollution today

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi will chair a high-level meeting regarding the pollution situation at the Delhi Secretariat today, Delhi CMO said."Delhi CM Atishi to chair a high-level meeting today regarding the pollution situation, at the Delhi Secretariat. Environment Minister Gopal Rai will also attend this meeting," Delhi Chief Minister's Office said.Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) hit the 'Poor' category at 224 on Sunday as per the 4 pm AQI bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was implemented in Delhi on Monday. Under Stage-I, actions include ensuring proper implementation of dust mitigation measures in construction and demolition (C & D) activities and effective environmental management of C & D waste.Earlier on Monday, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers in the city until January 1."We have imposed a ban on

CAQM authorises action on stubble burning, polluting vehicles in Delhi-NCR

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining Areas has deputed 26 Central teams to the hotspot districts in Punjab and Haryana

Faecal contamination in Yamuna soars to 1,959x over safe limit in Sept

Despite improved dissolved oxygen levels from August rains, faecal pollution in the Yamuna surged to 4.9M units in September, 1,959 times the safe limit, marking the worst contamination since 2022

CAQM revisits study: Vehicles, dust, industries lead Delhi-NCR pollution

In Delhi, road dust and transportation are the primary sources of PM10 and PM2.5 pollutants, while industrial emissions dominate in the NCR region

Delhi govt sets up 24x7 'Green War Room' to curb winter pollution

The Delhi government has set up a 24x7 'Green War Room' to enhance the execution of its 21-point winter action plan aimed at curbing pollution in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Monday. Addressing a press conference, Rai said that a team of eight environmental experts will manage the war room, which has been assigned seven key responsibilities. A new task assigned to the war room this year includes analysing drone mapping and conducting real-time source apportionment studies, Rai said. "The war room will also analyse satellite data of stubble burning, along with information from 13 pollution hotspots," said the minister. Additionally, it will monitor AQI (Air Quality Index) data and assess information from 24 pollution monitoring stations managed by the Delhi government, he said. Regarding the use of artificial rain to reduce pollution, Rai said that he would again seek approval from the central government, as his previous request had not received a ..

From drones to WFH, Delhi's 21-point winter action plan to tackle pollution

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that drones will be used in the national capital to monitor and identify sources of air pollution

WFH, odd-even scheme and more: Delhi's 21-point ‘Winter Action Plan’ to tackle pollution

The Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government introduced a 21-pointer ' winter action plan' to tackle the city's recurring pollution during the winter season. Watch the video to know the details.

Delhi govt to give free bio-decomposer spray to combat stubble burning

Development Minister Gopal Rai has announced the Delhi government's initiative to provide free bio-decomposer spray across over 5,000 acres of farmland to reduce pollution and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Following a high-level meeting with the Agriculture Department and experts from the Pusa Agricultural Research Institute, Rai said the government is making every effort to ensure the timely and effective spraying of bio-decomposer. "So far, 841 farmers have signed up for the programme, and the numbers are expected to rise as awareness campaigns are carried out across farming communities," Rai said. "In our efforts to curb the seasonal rise in pollution due to stubble burning, the Kejriwal government is committed to providing free bio-decomposer spray as we did last year. This year, we will cover over 5,000 acres of farmland," the minister said. He added, "Stubble burning has been included as a key focus area in this year's Winter Action Plan. By spraying ...

Losing spark: Delhi's electric vehicle adoption to hit speed bump

The removal of road tax waiver in the city estimated to make such vehicles about 10% costlier for its residents

Artificial rain, WFH, odd-even: How Delhi is preparing for winter pollution

The 2024 Winter Action Plan focuses on tackling pollution hotspots, controlling vehicular emissions and dust, encouraging work-from-home policies, addressing stubble and waste burning, among others

DPCC prohibits idol immersion in Yamuna, water bodies ahead of festivals

The DPCC has prohibited the immersion of idols in the Yamuna and other water bodies and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on violators, ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Pooja celebrations. In an order issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on Wednesday, local civil bodies have been tasked with creating temporary immersion sites or artificial ponds near residential areas. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in 2019 and 2021 issued directives, prohibiting idol immersion in Ganga and its tributaries, specifying that violators will have to pay Rs 50,000 as environmental compensation. "The Delhi Police and municipal bodies will work together to enforce these guidelines and take action against illegal idol-making operations," the DPCC order stated. DPCC further directed the officials to monitor vehicles carrying prohibited idols. "Violators of the guidelines will face fines of up to Rs. 50,000, with continued non-compliance potentially resulting in penalties ran

Kailash Gahlot calls gig workers 'Pradushan Yodha', asks them to adopt EVs

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Monday called gig workers of food delivery companies as 'Pradushan Yodha' (warriors against pollution) as he spoke about the importance of electric vehicles. Addressing thousands of delivery partners, commonly known as 'gig workers', at an event organised by delivery companies Zomato and Blinkit at Talkatora Stadium, he called them the backbone of India's economy. "You are ensuring that millions of people can receive household essentials in minutes and enjoy meals from their favourite restaurants with just a click. Your dedication keeps our cities running smoothly. "Your commitment to your work and to protecting the environment is truly inspiring. The Kejriwal government is with you every step of the way. Together, let's make Delhi pollution-free by adopting electric vehicles (EVs)," he said. Gahlot emphasised the importance of transitioning to electric vehicles and said they are not just a technological change but also a crucial move to

Delhi records cleanest air quality for Jan-Aug in six years, AQI hits 53

Delhi recorded its best AQI for any day between January 1 and August 8 from 2018 to 2024, with a reading of 53 at 4 pm on Thursday