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Delhi AQI - Air Quality Index Live Updates, Delhi NCR Air Pollution: Delhi shuts primary classes till Diwali as air quality plummets in NCR
05 Nov, 2023 | 11:33:25 AM IST
Delhi AQI - Air Quality Index Live Updates, Delhi NCR Air Pollution: For the fourth consecutive day, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'Severe' category on Sunday, with a slight reduction in the overall Air Quality Index (AQI), measuring 410, compared to 504 on Saturday. This information comes from the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India).
The SAFAR-India data revealed that air quality in the Lodhi Road area was at 385 (Very Poor), while in the Delhi University area, it was at 456 (Severe). Drone camera footage from the Qutub Minar area depicted a dense layer of haze in the atmosphere.
Schools for students in grades 6-12 are being provided the option to switch to online classes as a precautionary measure to safeguard students' health and well-being. Delhi's Education Minister, Atishi, took to Twitter to share these important updates amidst the ongoing air quality crisis.
One morning walker in Lodhi Garden expressed difficulties in breathing due to the increased pollution levels.
"The situation of pollution is extremely poor. It is difficult to breathe these days. Several people used to come to Lodhi Garden earlier, but now only 10% of people are coming here. Pollution is at its maximum this year," Manohar Lal said.
Another person, Ajay, said that the pollution is causing a burning sensation in the eyes.
"The situation of pollution is such that we are experiencing a burning sensation in our eyes. The situation was better earlier, but now it is getting worse," he added.
Noida experienced a similar situation as its air quality deteriorated to the 'severe' category, with an AQI of 466, according to SAFAR-India. Gurugram recorded an AQI of 392, keeping its air quality within the 'Very Poor' category.
Health experts emphasise that a recommended AQI for a healthy individual should be below 50. However, the current AQI readings exceed 400, posing severe health risks, especially for individuals with lung-related conditions and increasing the risk of lung cancer.
In response to this air quality crisis, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote a letter to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging a ban on the entry of vehicles not compliant with BS-VI emission norms from neighbouring states into Delhi-NCR. Additionally, he requested an emergency meeting with the environment ministers of neighbouring states.
Rai said, "Looking at the rise in the level of pollution in the last two days, construction has been banned in Delhi since yesterday. Today there has been an improvement in the level of pollution as compared to yesterday. The situation is still serious. I am writing to the Central government requesting that the Union Environment Minister call an emergency meeting of Environment ministers of all five states immediately. The orders of CAQM are not being implemented in other states. Rules are being made, and CAQM is giving directions, but in the whole NCR, rules are being violated. This is the problem of the whole of North India."
As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of Delhi-NCR is reeling under the 'severe' category, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday sought responses from the Chief Secretaries of the affected states and directed to take immediate remedial action and submit the action taken report before the Tribunal.
NGT in a statement said that immediate action is required for the prevention and control of air pollution in these cities so as to ensure better air quality to the residents.
"NGT seeks response of Chief Secretaries of the States where the cities AQI has dipped to severe, very poor and poor, are directed to take immediate remedial action and submit action taken report before the Tribunal," added the statement.
The SAFAR-India data revealed that air quality in the Lodhi Road area was at 385 (Very Poor), while in the Delhi University area, it was at 456 (Severe). Drone camera footage from the Qutub Minar area depicted a dense layer of haze in the atmosphere.
Schools for students in grades 6-12 are being provided the option to switch to online classes as a precautionary measure to safeguard students' health and well-being. Delhi's Education Minister, Atishi, took to Twitter to share these important updates amidst the ongoing air quality crisis.
One morning walker in Lodhi Garden expressed difficulties in breathing due to the increased pollution levels.
"The situation of pollution is extremely poor. It is difficult to breathe these days. Several people used to come to Lodhi Garden earlier, but now only 10% of people are coming here. Pollution is at its maximum this year," Manohar Lal said.
Another person, Ajay, said that the pollution is causing a burning sensation in the eyes.
"The situation of pollution is such that we are experiencing a burning sensation in our eyes. The situation was better earlier, but now it is getting worse," he added.
Noida experienced a similar situation as its air quality deteriorated to the 'severe' category, with an AQI of 466, according to SAFAR-India. Gurugram recorded an AQI of 392, keeping its air quality within the 'Very Poor' category.
Health experts emphasise that a recommended AQI for a healthy individual should be below 50. However, the current AQI readings exceed 400, posing severe health risks, especially for individuals with lung-related conditions and increasing the risk of lung cancer.
In response to this air quality crisis, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote a letter to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging a ban on the entry of vehicles not compliant with BS-VI emission norms from neighbouring states into Delhi-NCR. Additionally, he requested an emergency meeting with the environment ministers of neighbouring states.
Rai said, "Looking at the rise in the level of pollution in the last two days, construction has been banned in Delhi since yesterday. Today there has been an improvement in the level of pollution as compared to yesterday. The situation is still serious. I am writing to the Central government requesting that the Union Environment Minister call an emergency meeting of Environment ministers of all five states immediately. The orders of CAQM are not being implemented in other states. Rules are being made, and CAQM is giving directions, but in the whole NCR, rules are being violated. This is the problem of the whole of North India."
As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of Delhi-NCR is reeling under the 'severe' category, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday sought responses from the Chief Secretaries of the affected states and directed to take immediate remedial action and submit the action taken report before the Tribunal.
NGT in a statement said that immediate action is required for the prevention and control of air pollution in these cities so as to ensure better air quality to the residents.
"NGT seeks response of Chief Secretaries of the States where the cities AQI has dipped to severe, very poor and poor, are directed to take immediate remedial action and submit action taken report before the Tribunal," added the statement.
1 New Update
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: Delhi's choking haze
A dense layer of haze enveloped the national capital, with the minimum temperature registering at 15.8 degrees Celsius, just slightly above the seasonal norm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a relative humidity of 96 percent. Unfavourable wind conditions, especially calm winds during the night, once again pushed the city's pollution levels into the severe plus category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped from 415 at 4 pm on Saturday to 460 at 7 am on Sunday. In the AQI scale, values between 0-50 are considered "good," 51-100 as "satisfactory," 101-200 "moderate," 201-300 "poor," 301-400 "very poor," and 401-500 "severe," while an AQI exceeding 500 falls into the "severe plus" category.
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: Gopal Rai on rising AQI in Delhi
"There is a reduction in wind speed and the temperature has dipped that has choked the pollutants at one place, leading to a rise in AQI. We have taken several steps, including banning construction activities and prohibiting BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles, to control the situation," says Delhi minister Gopal Rai on rising AQI in the national capital.
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: Delhi shuts primary classes till Diwali
As air pollution engulfs Delhi, the city's education authorities have kept primary classes suspended until November 10 (Diwali). Additionally, schools for students in grades 6-12 are being provided the option to switch to online classes as a precautionary measure to safeguard students' health and well-being. Delhi's Education Minister, Atishi, took to Twitter to share these important updates amidst the ongoing air quality crisis.
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: Delhi Environment Minister calls for urgent action
In response to this air quality crisis, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote a letter to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging a ban on the entry of vehicles not compliant with BS-VI emission norms from neighbouring states into Delhi-NCR. Additionally, he requested an emergency meeting with the environment ministers of neighbouring states.
Rai said, "Looking at the rise in the level of pollution in the last two days, construction has been banned in Delhi since yesterday. Today there has been an improvement in the level of pollution as compared to yesterday. The situation is still serious. I am writing to the Central government requesting that the Union Environment Minister call an emergency meeting of Environment ministers of all five states immediately. The orders of CAQM are not being implemented in other states. Rules are being made, and CAQM is giving directions, but in the whole NCR, rules are being violated. This is the problem of the whole of North India."
Rai said, "Looking at the rise in the level of pollution in the last two days, construction has been banned in Delhi since yesterday. Today there has been an improvement in the level of pollution as compared to yesterday. The situation is still serious. I am writing to the Central government requesting that the Union Environment Minister call an emergency meeting of Environment ministers of all five states immediately. The orders of CAQM are not being implemented in other states. Rules are being made, and CAQM is giving directions, but in the whole NCR, rules are being violated. This is the problem of the whole of North India."
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: Noida joins Delhi in 'severe' air quality crisis, Gurugram still 'very poor'
Noida experienced a similar situation as its air quality deteriorated to the 'severe' category, with an AQI of 466, according to SAFAR-India. Gurugram recorded an AQI of 392, keeping its air quality within the 'Very Poor' category.
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: People's plight in Delhi's lingering pollution crisis
One morning walker in Lodhi Garden expressed difficulties in breathing due to the increased pollution levels.
"The situation of pollution is extremely poor. It is difficult to breathe these days. Several people used to come to Lodhi Garden earlier, but now only 10% of people are coming here. Pollution is at its maximum this year," Manohar Lal said.
Another person, Ajay, said that the pollution is causing a burning sensation in the eyes.
"The situation of pollution is such that we are experiencing a burning sensation in our eyes. The situation was better earlier, but now it is getting worse," he added.
"The situation of pollution is extremely poor. It is difficult to breathe these days. Several people used to come to Lodhi Garden earlier, but now only 10% of people are coming here. Pollution is at its maximum this year," Manohar Lal said.
Another person, Ajay, said that the pollution is causing a burning sensation in the eyes.
"The situation of pollution is such that we are experiencing a burning sensation in our eyes. The situation was better earlier, but now it is getting worse," he added.
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: Air pollution may have adverse effects on foetus, warns top expert
As Delhi NCR grapples with persistently severe air quality, medical experts raise concerns about the detrimental impact on unborn children and label the situation a significant health emergency.
Dr. Arvind Kumar, a senior lung specialist at Medanta Hospital, highlights that air pollution affects individuals of all age groups, and using air purifiers is not a sufficient solution.
He explains that unborn children are also adversely affected by air pollution because when the mother breathes polluted air, the toxins enter her lungs, bloodstream, and subsequently reach the foetus, causing harm.
Dr. Kumar underscores that children born in highly polluted areas face health issues and breathing problems due to the hazardous air quality.
In response to whether air purifiers can effectively address air pollution, Dr. Kumar firmly rejects this notion. He emphasises that air pollution is a public concern, whereas air purifiers offer a personal solution. Even the most advanced air purifiers cannot bring the outside air's Air Quality Index (AQI) from extremely high levels to a safe range.
Moreover, the filters in air purifiers quickly become ineffective and need frequent replacement, rendering them less practical in tackling the broader problem of air pollution.
Dr. Kumar also points out that pollution can lead to childhood obesity and asthma, further compounding the adverse health effects it imposes on children.
Dr. Arvind Kumar, a senior lung specialist at Medanta Hospital, highlights that air pollution affects individuals of all age groups, and using air purifiers is not a sufficient solution.
He explains that unborn children are also adversely affected by air pollution because when the mother breathes polluted air, the toxins enter her lungs, bloodstream, and subsequently reach the foetus, causing harm.
Dr. Kumar underscores that children born in highly polluted areas face health issues and breathing problems due to the hazardous air quality.
In response to whether air purifiers can effectively address air pollution, Dr. Kumar firmly rejects this notion. He emphasises that air pollution is a public concern, whereas air purifiers offer a personal solution. Even the most advanced air purifiers cannot bring the outside air's Air Quality Index (AQI) from extremely high levels to a safe range.
Moreover, the filters in air purifiers quickly become ineffective and need frequent replacement, rendering them less practical in tackling the broader problem of air pollution.
Dr. Kumar also points out that pollution can lead to childhood obesity and asthma, further compounding the adverse health effects it imposes on children.
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: Delhi AQI at 410
For the fourth consecutive day, Delhi experienced 'Severe' air quality on Sunday, with a slight reduction in the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) compared to Saturday. According to the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India), the AQI on Sunday was 410, down from 504 on the previous day. SAFAR-India's data indicated that the air quality in the Lodhi Road area was measured at 385 (categorized as 'Very Poor'), while the Delhi University area reported an AQI of 456 (classified as 'Severe').
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: Reached to stop farm fires, offical made to burn stubble by farmers in Punjab
A controversy arose in Punjab's Bathinda district when a group of farmers allegedly compelled a government official, who was part of a team responsible for preventing farm fires, to burn the crop residue in a field on Friday. The incident gained public attention after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann shared a video of the event on his social media platform. Mann strongly condemned the incident and announced the initiation of an FIR (First Information Report) in this matter.
The situation of pollution is extremely poor. It is difficult to breathe these days. Several people used to come to Lodhi Garden earlier, but now only 10% of people are coming here. Pollution is at its maximum this year...
- Manohar Lal, a morning walker in Lodhi Garden, told ANI
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: Chamber of Trade and Industry writes to PM Modi
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging an immediate meeting with the administrations of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. The purpose of this meeting is to address the alarming drop in business activity in Delhi during the festive season, attributed to severe air pollution.In the correspondence, Brijesh Goyal, the chairperson of CTI, highlighted the worrisome business decline amidst the festive season, directly linked to the pervasive pollution. Goyal emphasized the necessity for the central government to take resolute and coordinated measures to combat air pollution in conjunction with the regional governments. He expressed concern that unless decisive actions are taken, the business sector will continue to suffer.
We have the facility of water sprinklers, we use them so that when the hydration is there then the haze blows slightly above that...we have a lot of greenery inside the zoo so the oxygen content is high here compared to the outer areas and that takes care of the animals...since October, we have also started winter diet (for animals), so that helps in enhancing immunity and we have also started giving them more multi nutrients...
- Akanksha Mahajan, Director, National Zoological Park
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: MCD constitutes 517 Surveillance Teams
Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials have announced the establishment of 517 surveillance teams, comprising 1,119 officers. These teams will be tasked with monitoring and addressing issues such as open burning, unauthorized construction, demolition waste dumping, inspections of construction and demolition sites, and controlling dust on roads within the MCD's jurisdiction.
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: AQI in Jahangirpuri at 463
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: AQI in Dwarka Sector-8 at 486
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: AQI remains in 'severe' category
On another hazy day, the air quality in the Delhi-NCR region continued to persist in the 'severe' category on Sunday, as per the Central Pollution Control Board.
