Severe or worse air quality in Delhi for 4th day on trot
The Hindu
Delhi-NCR's air quality worsens to 'severe plus' for 2nd time in 3 days. Pollution levels 7-8x govt-prescribed safe limit. Stringent curbs incl. truck ban, construction work ban, 50% staff work from home. Farm fires highest this season. Pollutants 30-40x WHO's healthy limit. Unfavourable meteorological conditions, vehicular emissions, paddy straw burning, firecrackers & other local sources contribute. CAQM orders ban on non-essential construction work & polluting vehicles. Delhi govt. closes primary schools for 2 days. Study to identify sources of pollution halted. Smog tower in Connaught Place halted. Air pollution shortening lives by 12 yrs in Delhi.
Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR on Monday morning were recorded around seven to eight times above the government-prescribed safe limit, as a toxic haze persisted over the region for the seventh consecutive day.
Stringent curbs, including a ban on entry of polluting trucks, came into effect in Delhi on Sunday as its air quality entered the 'severe plus' category for the second time in three days due to unfavourable wind conditions and a sharp rise in farm fires across north India.
The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 p.m. every day, worsened from 415 on Saturday to 454 on Sunday, prompting the Centre to implement all emergency measures mandated under the final Stage IV of its air pollution control plan called the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Also read: Delhi air pollution: What you need to know right now?
GRAP categorises actions into four stages: Stage I - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV - 'Severe Plus' (AQI 450). The city's AQI stood at 440 at 7 a.m. on Monday.
Several cities in neighbouring Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have also reported hazardous air quality.
Neighbouring Ghaziabad (413), Gurugram (369), Noida (403), Greater Noida (396) and Faridabad (426) also reported hazardous air quality at 7 a.m.
MNS leader Avinash Jadhav petitions Bombay HC to probe alleged coercion behind unopposed municipal election victories across Maharashtra.
A fire at Chellanam harbour damaged several abandoned fibre boats, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
K. Kavitha targets Siddipet constituency to challenge cousin T. Harish Rao, aiming to reshape her political future.
The evil of political defection must be prevented by deciding disqualification proceedings against legislators in time and without favour
Commuters at Vandalur railway station express frustrations over closed toilets, security issues, and inadequate amenities.
Explore "Traditional Vibes," a vibrant watercolour exhibition capturing everyday life and culture by artist D. Gayathry in Puducherry.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin signs MoU with UN Women to enhance gender-responsive governance and women's welfare in Tamil Nadu.
Home Minister Amit Shah celebrates Pongal in Tiruchi, participating in festivities and worshiping at local temples.
Congress MP B. Manickam Tagore insists on power-sharing in Tamil Nadu, citing poll predictions of no single party majority.
BRS files privilege motion against CM A. Revanth Reddy for misleading statements on the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Join ALC EXPO 2K26 in Vijayawada on January 6-7 to promote scientific literacy and inspire future innovators.
Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticizes the DMK government for compromising women's safety and increasing crime rates in Tamil Nadu.
Congress criticizes Mahayuti for unopposed wins in Maharashtra civic polls, alleging coercion and demanding electoral reforms.