The Supreme Court of India has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider the reopening of schools, emphasising the importance of mid-day meals for students and the limitations of online education. The Court urged CAQM to immediately evaluate the possibility of allowing physical classes in schools and educational institutions, impacted by the ongoing pollution crisis.

<h2>Current air quality status</h2>

The air quality in Delhi-NCR has improved in&nbsp;the recent days. However, several monitoring stations have recorded AQI levels ranging from 200 to 300, indicating a "very poor" category in certain areas. As of now, Delhi-NCR remains under Stage-4 of the GRAP, with several restrictions still in place, including a ban on truck entry, unless they are carrying essential items or use cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity. Under the GRAP-4 stage, construction work on public projects has been halted, and non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also prohibited unless they meet the required environmental standards. The restrictions aim to curb the pollution levels and protect public health in the region.

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<h2>Impact on labourers and daily wagers</h2>

While acknowledging the adverse effects of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 4 on various sections of society, including daily wage labourers, the Supreme Court made it clear that the restrictions will not be eased until there is a consistent downward trend in the Air Quality Index (AQI). This decision highlights the ongoing struggle for labourers and daily wage workers, who face challenges in earning their livelihood under the current restrictions.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliament-winter-session-both-houses-adjourned-till-wed-amid-uproar-by-oppn-over-adani-case-779032">Indian Parliament Winter Session: Both Houses adjourned till Wed amid uproar by oppn over Adani case</a>

<h2>Relief measures for workers</h2>

The Court also directed all states to utilise funds collected from the labour cess to provide mitigating measures for labourers and daily wagers. Additionally, the Court ordered the implementation of subsistence allowances for workers during the ongoing construction ban period.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider the reopening of schools, emphasising the importance of mid-day meals for students and the limitations of online education.

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider the reopening of schools, emphasising the importance of mid-day meals for students and the limitations of online education. The Court urged CAQM to immediately evaluate the possibility of allowing physical classes in schools and educational institutions, impacted by the ongoing pollution crisis. Current air quality status The air quality in Delhi-NCR has improved in the recent days. However, several monitoring stations have recorded AQI levels ranging from 200 to 300, indicating a "very poor" category in certain areas. As of now, Delhi-NCR remains under Stage-4 of the GRAP, with several restrictions still in place, including a ban on truck entry, unless they are carrying essential items or use cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity. Under the GRAP-4 stage, construction work on public projects has been halted, and non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also prohibited unless they meet the required environmental standards. The restrictions aim to curb the pollution levels and protect public health in the region. Also Read | SC rejects pleas challenging ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in India's Preamble Impact on labourers and daily wagers While acknowledging the adverse effects of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 4 on various sections of society, including daily wage labourers, the Supreme Court made it clear that the restrictions will not be eased until there is a consistent downward trend in the Air Quality Index (AQI). This decision highlights the ongoing struggle for labourers and daily wage workers, who face challenges in earning their livelihood under the current restrictions. Also Read | Indian Parliament Winter Session: Both Houses adjourned till Wed amid uproar by oppn over Adani case Relief measures for workers The Court also directed all states to utilise funds collected from the labour cess to provide mitigating measures for labourers and daily wagers. Additionally, the Court ordered the implementation of subsistence allowances for workers during the ongoing construction ban period. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court directs CAQM to consider reopening schools amid Delhi-NCR pollution crisis

A recent study published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health has revealed that even short-period exposure to air pollution levels meeting the Indian standards can result in deaths. About 33,000 deaths each year can be attributed to PM 2.5 pollution levels across 10 major cities in India.

The study was conducted between 2008 and 2019 in cities including Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Varanasi, Kolkata, and Shimla. Delhi recorded the highest number of deaths which can be attributed to air being 11.5 per cent of the total deaths, about 12,000 every year. Varanasi recorded 10.2 per cent of the deaths, 830 every year.

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The states meeting the national standards also witness numerous death cases attributed to pollution each year. Chennai, Bengaluru, and Shimla recorded about 4.8 per cent (2,100), 4.9 per cent (2,900), and 3.7 per cent (59) of total deaths each year, respectively.

The national standard set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for PM 2.5 particles is 60 micrograms per cubic metre, while WHO states only 15 micrograms per cubic metre in its guidelines. PM 2.5 particles are fine particles of pollution with diameters generally about 2.5 micrometres or smaller.

The researchers studied the data obtained from meteorological instruments, air quality monitors, satellites, and other sources to examine the PM 2.5 pollutants exposure over time. They compared the air quality data with the death records obtained for the 10 cities for the same period.

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According to the researchers, the nature of sources of pollution and population may have resulted in a higher number of deaths in cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Kolkata. However, the main objective of the study was not to compare the numbers but rather to emphasise the need to understand that relatively even low levels of pollution have a significant impact on people's health in the country.

“The insights signal an urgent need to revisit our air quality management strategies that currently focus only on ‘non-attainment cities’, rethink current air quality standards accounting for the lower risk thresholds, and shift from addressing regional to local sources to protect human health effectively,” said Poornima Prabhakaran, director of the Centre for Health Analytics Research and Trends (CHART) at the Trivedi School of Biosciences, Ashoka University, one of the authors of the research.

A recent study published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health has revealed that even short-period exposure to air pollution levels meeting the Indian standards can result in deaths.

A recent study published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health has revealed that even short-period exposure to air pollution levels meeting the Indian standards can result in deaths. About 33,000 deaths each year can be attributed to PM 2.5 pollution levels across 10 major cities in India. The study was conducted between 2008 and 2019 in cities including Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Varanasi, Kolkata, and Shimla. Delhi recorded the highest number of deaths which can be attributed to air being 11.5 per cent of the total deaths, about 12,000 every year. Varanasi recorded 10.2 per cent of the deaths, 830 every year. Also Read | Assam grapples with severe flood crisis, over 1.1 million people affected The states meeting the national standards also witness numerous death cases attributed to pollution each year. Chennai, Bengaluru, and Shimla recorded about 4.8 per cent (2,100), 4.9 per cent (2,900), and 3.7 per cent (59) of total deaths each year, respectively. The national standard set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for PM 2.5 particles is 60 micrograms per cubic metre, while WHO states only 15 micrograms per cubic metre in its guidelines. PM 2.5 particles are fine particles of pollution with diameters generally about 2.5 micrometres or smaller. The researchers studied the data obtained from meteorological instruments, air quality monitors, satellites, and other sources to examine the PM 2.5 pollutants exposure over time. They compared the air quality data with the death records obtained for the 10 cities for the same period. Also Read | Zika virus outbreak: Indian government issues advisory, focus on screening pregnant women According to the researchers, the nature of sources of pollution and population may have resulted in a higher number of deaths in cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Kolkata. However, the main objective of the study was not to compare the numbers but rather to emphasise the need to understand that relatively even low levels of pollution have a significant impact on people's health in the country. “The insights signal an urgent need to revisit our air quality management strategies that currently focus only on ‘non-attainment cities’, rethink current air quality standards accounting for the lower risk thresholds, and shift from addressing regional to local sources to protect human health effectively,” said Poornima Prabhakaran, director of the Centre for Health Analytics Research and Trends (CHART) at the Trivedi School of Biosciences, Ashoka University, one of the authors of the research.

33,000 deaths attributed to air pollution levels each year within Indian norms: Study

The Joe Biden administration announced that over 200 US chemical plants must now cut emissions linked to cancer.

This new rule announced on Tuesday (April 9) strengthens safeguards for communities, particularly those living near Gulf Coast facilities, by reducing their exposure to hazardous air pollution.

Residents of a Florida neighbourhood blame an old factory for their illnesses, raising concerns as developers plan to disturb the potentially toxic soil.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-air-pollution-leads-to-rise-in-cases-of-respiratory-infections-like-influenza-what-are-preventive-measures-705828" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-air-pollution-leads-to-rise-in-cases-of-respiratory-infections-like-influenza-what-are-preventive-measures-705828&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQlIr157eFAxX0UGcHHbcqBkYQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0pKtxINxLQVRQBp8N2c0mB&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-air-pollution-leads-to-rise-in-cases-of-respiratory-infections-like-influenza-what-are-preventive-measures-705828" target="_blank">Air&nbsp;pollution&nbsp;leads to rise in cases of respiratory infections</a>

Meanwhile, the EPA strengthens protections nationwide. The new rule targets emissions of ethylene oxide and chloroprene, linked to cancer and found in everyday products like antifreeze and shoes. “This is about clean air for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan, referencing communities like the one in Florida. “We’re fulfilling our promise to protect people from pollution and reduce cancer risks.”

Overdue for an update, the government is finally tightening pollution limits for chemical plants – the first revision since 2006. This strengthens protections by slashing toxic pollutants by 6,200 tonnes annually and dramatically reducing emissions of cancer-linked ethylene oxide and chloroprene by 80%.

The Clean Air Act update also mandates "fence-line monitoring" for six hazardous air pollutants, including those mentioned above plus vinyl chloride, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and ethylene dichloride. This increased transparency will empower communities to understand their local air quality.

"This demonstrates the administration's commitment to environmental justice," said Adam Kron, a senior attorney with Earthjustice. "By significantly reducing these pollutants, we'll see fewer illnesses and lives saved."

The EPA tightens regulations to curb cancer-causing ethylene oxide emissions from chemical plants.

New requirements include stricter monitoring for leaks and improved efficiency of pollution control flares. Ethylene oxide, a common air pollutant from these facilities, is classified as a human carcinogen by the EPA.

The rule sets a new limit of 0.2 microgrammes per cubic metre and mandates facilities to meet it within two years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/electric-vehicles-emit-more-particle-pollution-than-petrol-diesel-cars-study-says-697186" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/electric-vehicles-emit-more-particle-pollution-than-petrol-diesel-cars-study-says-697186&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQlIr157eFAxX0UGcHHbcqBkYQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CrNUQuSKhvn6K74HtAY27&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/electric-vehicles-emit-more-particle-pollution-than-petrol-diesel-cars-study-says-697186" target="_blank">Electric vehicles emit more particle&nbsp;pollution&nbsp;than petrol, diesel cars</a>

A healthy environment is essential for a healthy society," stressed Congressman Troy Carter of Louisiana's second district, ahead of the EPA rule signing. "The wellbeing of people and communities living near industrial sites is paramount." Notably, the rule targets chloroprene, a carcinogen emitted from a single US&nbsp;facility – a Denka plant located in Louisiana's Cancer Alley.

The EPA's new chloroprene rule establishes two tiers of action levels for emissions at facility boundaries. If these levels, set at 0.8 and 0.3 microgrammes per cubic metre on average, are surpassed, the facility must take steps to reduce emissions. Notably, the EPA plans a swift implementation of the rule, requiring compliance within 90 days.

However, the response from experts working with affected communities in the region has been mixed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Joe Biden administration announced that over 200 US chemical plants must now cut emissions linked to cancer. This new rule announced on Tuesday (April 9) strengthens safeguards for communities, particularly those living near Gulf Coast facilities, by reducing their exposure to hazardous air pollution.

The Joe Biden administration announced that over 200 US chemical plants must now cut emissions linked to cancer. This new rule announced on Tuesday (April 9) strengthens safeguards for communities, particularly those living near Gulf Coast facilities, by reducing their exposure to hazardous air pollution. Residents of a Florida neighbourhood blame an old factory for their illnesses, raising concerns as developers plan to disturb the potentially toxic soil. Also read: Air pollution leads to rise in cases of respiratory infections Meanwhile, the EPA strengthens protections nationwide. The new rule targets emissions of ethylene oxide and chloroprene, linked to cancer and found in everyday products like antifreeze and shoes. “This is about clean air for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan, referencing communities like the one in Florida. “We’re fulfilling our promise to protect people from pollution and reduce cancer risks.” Overdue for an update, the government is finally tightening pollution limits for chemical plants – the first revision since 2006. This strengthens protections by slashing toxic pollutants by 6,200 tonnes annually and dramatically reducing emissions of cancer-linked ethylene oxide and chloroprene by 80%. The Clean Air Act update also mandates "fence-line monitoring" for six hazardous air pollutants, including those mentioned above plus vinyl chloride, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and ethylene dichloride. This increased transparency will empower communities to understand their local air quality. "This demonstrates the administration's commitment to environmental justice," said Adam Kron, a senior attorney with Earthjustice. "By significantly reducing these pollutants, we'll see fewer illnesses and lives saved." The EPA tightens regulations to curb cancer-causing ethylene oxide emissions from chemical plants. New requirements include stricter monitoring for leaks and improved efficiency of pollution control flares. Ethylene oxide, a common air pollutant from these facilities, is classified as a human carcinogen by the EPA. The rule sets a new limit of 0.2 microgrammes per cubic metre and mandates facilities to meet it within two years. Also read: Electric vehicles emit more particle pollution than petrol, diesel cars A healthy environment is essential for a healthy society," stressed Congressman Troy Carter of Louisiana's second district, ahead of the EPA rule signing. "The wellbeing of people and communities living near industrial sites is paramount." Notably, the rule targets chloroprene, a carcinogen emitted from a single US facility – a Denka plant located in Louisiana's Cancer Alley. The EPA's new chloroprene rule establishes two tiers of action levels for emissions at facility boundaries. If these levels, set at 0.8 and 0.3 microgrammes per cubic metre on average, are surpassed, the facility must take steps to reduce emissions. Notably, the EPA plans a swift implementation of the rule, requiring compliance within 90 days. However, the response from experts working with affected communities in the region has been mixed. (With inputs from agencies)

200 chemical plants in US face new limits on toxic emissions

Three Indian cities made it to the world's top 10 most polluted cities on Monday. A day after Diwali celebrations national capital New Delhi, western metropolis Mumbai and eastern city of Kolkata have joined the most polluted cities in the world.

Three Indian cities made it to the world's top 10 most polluted cities on Monday. A day after Diwali celebrations national capital New Delhi, western metropolis Mumbai and eastern city of Kolkata have joined the most polluted cities in the world. On Monday, these cities witnessed unhealthy air quality after revellers let loose with firecrackers for the annual Hindu festival of light, reported Reuters. The Indian capital, New Delhi, has taken the first spot as usual. It had an AQI (air quality index) figure of 407. Since the beginning of November, Delhi has seen a poor AQI figure. The Swiss group IQAir has put the city's air in the "hazardous" category. ALSO READ | Sam Bahadur: When Indira Gandhi suspected Sam Manekshaw of 'planning a military coup' Mumbai, the financial capital of India, came in sixth with an AQI of 157. Kolkata was seventh, with an AQI of 154. AQI levels between 0 and 50 are considered good. An AQI level between 150 and 200 distresses people with asthma and lung and heart problems. Meanwhile, an AQI level of 400-500 affects healthy people. Since Sunday night, a thick layer of smog started to blanket New Delhi. The AQI reached an alarming 680 a little after midnight. ALSO READ | Jaishankar extends Diwali greetings to Rishi Sunak, gifts Lord Ganesha idol and Kohli-signed bat Although authorities ban firecrackers every year in the national capital, the implementation of these bans is often rare. Member of Rajya Sabha Saket Gokhake posted a letter on X, asking the local police for details on several cases of firecracker use. He also urged the authorities to take action against the perpetrators. The air quality deterioration in northern India ahead of the winter season is an annual affair, as cold air traps pollutants from vehicles, industry, construction dust, and agricultural waste burning. After a brief spell of rain on Friday, the authorities in New Delhi delayed a previous decision to restrict the use of vehicles on roads on alternate days based on their odd or even registration numbers. The rain brought some breather from a week of toxic air. In light of the pollution concerns, the local government has announced that it will maintain the ban on all construction activities and keep schools closed until further notice. According to the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), the air quality in Delhi continues to be in the 'very poor' category. Authorities used water guns to sprinkle water near Sarai Kale Khan to mitigate air pollution. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

After Diwali, two more Indian cities join New Delhi among world's top 10 most polluted

Delhi has witnessed a slight improvement in air quality, transitioning to the 'very poor' category following increased surface winds on Monday. This slight positive shift happens after five consecutive days of air quality being in the ‘severe’ category.

At 7 am today (Nov 7), the average 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 395 (very poor), in contrast to the 421 (severe) recorded at 4 pm on Monday (Nov 6). The heightened surface winds, combined with measures enacted under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), have played a role in enhancing&nbsp;air quality in the national capital.

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Contributing factors

Officials project wind speeds of 8-10 km/hr in the afternoon, facilitating further dispersion of pollutants. The alteration in wind direction from northwesterly to southeasterly on Monday, influenced by a western disturbance affecting northwest India between November 7 to10, has been a significant contributing factor. According to an IMD official, this change, coupled with variable wind direction, is expected to gradually increase wind speeds from Tuesday afternoon.

Measures taken by the Delhi government&nbsp;

The AQI exceeded 400 for the first time this season last Thursday, maintaining a 'severe' status since 5 pm until now. In response to the escalating air quality concerns, the Delhi government has reinstated the odd-even scheme from November 13 to 20, as announced after an emergency meeting led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The scheme aims to mitigate vehicular emissions, particularly post-Diwali on November 12. Additionally, physical classes for all grades, excluding classes 10 and 12, have been suspended until November 10, with the provision for online classes during this period. A decision on permitting 50% of government employees to work from home will be determined at a later stage.

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Real-time IMD data reveals improved visibility, recorded at approximately 1,100 meters at 7 am today, compared to 400 metres at the same time on Monday. The air quality had reached its peak at 454 on Sunday at 4 pm, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke stage 4 of GRAP.&nbsp;

Stage 4 restrictions centre on diesel vehicles, encompassing a ban on the entry of non-BS-VI diesel light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi. Moreover, trucks are barred from entering Delhi, and the movement of diesel Medium Goods Vehicles (MGV) and heavy goods vehicles (HGV) is restricted. Linear construction projects have also been temporarily halted under this category.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi has witnessed a slight improvement in air quality, transitioning to the 'very poor' category following increased surface winds on Monday. This slight positive shift happens after five consecutive days of air quality being in the ‘severe’ category.

Delhi has witnessed a slight improvement in air quality, transitioning to the 'very poor' category following increased surface winds on Monday. This slight positive shift happens after five consecutive days of air quality being in the ‘severe’ category. At 7 am today (Nov 7), the average 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 395 (very poor), in contrast to the 421 (severe) recorded at 4 pm on Monday (Nov 6). The heightened surface winds, combined with measures enacted under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), have played a role in enhancing air quality in the national capital. Also Read | Election season kicks off in India as Chhattisgarh and Mizoram go to polls Contributing factors Officials project wind speeds of 8-10 km/hr in the afternoon, facilitating further dispersion of pollutants. The alteration in wind direction from northwesterly to southeasterly on Monday, influenced by a western disturbance affecting northwest India between November 7 to10, has been a significant contributing factor. According to an IMD official, this change, coupled with variable wind direction, is expected to gradually increase wind speeds from Tuesday afternoon. Measures taken by the Delhi government The AQI exceeded 400 for the first time this season last Thursday, maintaining a 'severe' status since 5 pm until now. In response to the escalating air quality concerns, the Delhi government has reinstated the odd-even scheme from November 13 to 20, as announced after an emergency meeting led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The scheme aims to mitigate vehicular emissions, particularly post-Diwali on November 12. Additionally, physical classes for all grades, excluding classes 10 and 12, have been suspended until November 10, with the provision for online classes during this period. A decision on permitting 50% of government employees to work from home will be determined at a later stage. Also Read | India: One CRPF personnel deployed on election duty in Chhattisgarh injured in IED blast Real-time IMD data reveals improved visibility, recorded at approximately 1,100 meters at 7 am today, compared to 400 metres at the same time on Monday. The air quality had reached its peak at 454 on Sunday at 4 pm, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke stage 4 of GRAP. Stage 4 restrictions centre on diesel vehicles, encompassing a ban on the entry of non-BS-VI diesel light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi. Moreover, trucks are barred from entering Delhi, and the movement of diesel Medium Goods Vehicles (MGV) and heavy goods vehicles (HGV) is restricted. Linear construction projects have also been temporarily halted under this category. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Air Pollution: Delhi's AQI witnesses mild improvement, shifts to ‘very poor’ category

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) arrives at 'very poor' category with AQI recorded at 306. State government bans firecrackers ahead of festivities. The environment minister holds a meeting with 28 departments to make sure that measures to curb pollution in the national capital are effectively implemented.

Delhi is a smog chamber again

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