The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre and government of northern states in India over their approach towards curbing&nbsp;pollution.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra came down heavily on the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on the matters related to stubble burning, construction activities, road dust among factors that contribute towards air pollution.&nbsp;

"You cannot deal with road dust, construction &amp; demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post?" Justice Mishra told Delhi Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Dev, reports ANI.&nbsp;

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Air Pollution matter in Supreme Court: Justice Mishra asked Delhi Chief Secretary, you cannot deal with road dust, construction &amp; demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post?
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This is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-supreme-court-asks-logic-behind-odd-even-scheme-imposes-fine-of-rs-1-lakh-on-violators-of-construction-ban-259884">second time </a>in two days the top court has&nbsp;questioned Delhi's approach towards improving&nbsp;Delhi's toxic air.

"Cars create less pollution. What are you [Delhi]&nbsp;getting from this odd-even? What is the logic behind the odd-even scheme? Banning diesel vehicles we can understand, but what is the point of odd-even scheme," the SC told the Delhi government on Monday.

The governments of Punjab and Haryana were also not sparred on the issue of stubble burning.

"We want immediate action to deal with stubble burning. It seems that there is no coordination among the officers and the state government to deal with this situation," Justice Mishra said to Punjab government, reports ANI. Justice Mishra told Punjab and neighbouring Haryana governments that they have "miserably" failed in performing its duty.&nbsp;

In order to prevent farmers from burning stubble, the SC ordered an incentive of Rs 100 per quintal to small and marginal farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh for handling residue of non-Basmati rice crops.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court also questioned the implementation of the funds coming from World Bank in order to improve infrastructure. "So much of funds have come, where is the concept of a smart city? Why have the roads not improved," Justice Mishra asked.&nbsp;

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Earlier today, Delhi's air quality improved slightly from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-improves-but-still-under-very-poor-category-259978">"very poor" to "poor" category</a>. Schools also reopened&nbsp;in the national capital on Wednesday.

Due to the arrival of winter combined with other factors such as stubble burning, bursting of crackers, etc, the national capital and its adjoining areas have been covered in a thick blanket of smog from the past few weeks.

As per a report by WHO, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-complete-halt-to-stubble-burning-around-delhi-260081">14 Indian cities </a>feature in world's 15 most polluted cities. Nearly 10 lakh people die each year in India due to pollution.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre and government of northern states in India over their approach towards curbing pollution. A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra came down heavily on the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on the matters related to stubble burning, construction activities, road dust among factors that contribute towards air pollution.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre and government of northern states in India over their approach towards curbing pollution. A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra came down heavily on the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on the matters related to stubble burning, construction activities, road dust among factors that contribute towards air pollution. "You cannot deal with road dust, construction & demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post?" Justice Mishra told Delhi Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Dev, reports ANI. Air Pollution matter in Supreme Court: Justice Mishra asked Delhi Chief Secretary, you cannot deal with road dust, construction & demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post? — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2019 × This is the second time in two days the top court has questioned Delhi's approach towards improving Delhi's toxic air. "Cars create less pollution. What are you [Delhi] getting from this odd-even? What is the logic behind the odd-even scheme? Banning diesel vehicles we can understand, but what is the point of odd-even scheme," the SC told the Delhi government on Monday. The governments of Punjab and Haryana were also not sparred on the issue of stubble burning. "We want immediate action to deal with stubble burning. It seems that there is no coordination among the officers and the state government to deal with this situation," Justice Mishra said to Punjab government, reports ANI. Justice Mishra told Punjab and neighbouring Haryana governments that they have "miserably" failed in performing its duty. In order to prevent farmers from burning stubble, the SC ordered an incentive of Rs 100 per quintal to small and marginal farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh for handling residue of non-Basmati rice crops. The Supreme Court also questioned the implementation of the funds coming from World Bank in order to improve infrastructure. "So much of funds have come, where is the concept of a smart city? Why have the roads not improved," Justice Mishra asked. Air Pollution matter in Supreme Court: Justice Mishra says, what is happening to the funds coming from World Bank for better infrastructure and development. So much of funds have come, where is the concept of smart city? Why have the roads not improved? — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2019 × Earlier today, Delhi's air quality improved slightly from "very poor" to "poor" category. Schools also reopened in the national capital on Wednesday. Due to the arrival of winter combined with other factors such as stubble burning, bursting of crackers, etc, the national capital and its adjoining areas have been covered in a thick blanket of smog from the past few weeks. As per a report by WHO, 14 Indian cities feature in world's 15 most polluted cities. Nearly 10 lakh people die each year in India due to pollution.

Supreme Court pulls up Centre, state governments over failure to improve air quality

Schools reopened on Wednesday after an extended Diwali break due to pollution with a large number of students seen using anti-pollution masks to protect them from health hazard.

While the pollution levels have gradually come down since Sunday, the AQI still remains in the 'poor'&nbsp;category.

Today morning, a major pollutant PM 2.5 is at 279 and PM 10 is at 250, both in 'poor'&nbsp;category in Lodhi Road area, according to Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

Taking cognizance of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR crossed "hazardous" category, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Friday declared a public health emergency. School holidays for all government and public schools were also declared by the Delhi government and municipal corporations.&nbsp;

Schools reopened on Wednesday after an extended Diwali break due to pollution with a large number of students seen using anti-pollution masks to protect them from health hazard.

Schools reopened on Wednesday after an extended Diwali break due to pollution with a large number of students seen using anti-pollution masks to protect them from health hazard. While the pollution levels have gradually come down since Sunday, the AQI still remains in the 'poor' category. Today morning, a major pollutant PM 2.5 is at 279 and PM 10 is at 250, both in 'poor' category in Lodhi Road area, according to Air Quality Index (AQI) data. Taking cognizance of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR crossed "hazardous" category, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Friday declared a public health emergency. School holidays for all government and public schools were also declared by the Delhi government and municipal corporations.

After festival and pollution break, schools reopen in Delhi

Air quality in Delhi has dipped to severe category and its high time to take urgent action to protect yourself from smog. Watch this episode of WION Wideangle to know about the ways adopted by people in Delhi to tackle the Airpocalypse.

WION Wideangle: Tackling India's Airpocalypse

To improve the worsening air quality in the national capital, the Supreme Court ordered a complete halt to stubble burning around Delhi. Stubble burning is regarded as one of the biggest contributors to air pollution and is generally done during this time of the year.&nbsp;

Responding to the plea filed by activists, the apex court said that people of India are losing "precious years" due to air pollution, adding that this cannot be allowed in a "civilised" country, reports AFP.

The Supreme Court also added that the entire police administration and the police department will be held liable if its latest directions are not followed.&nbsp;

Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi's air quality showed signs of improvement as it moved to "very poor" from the "severe" category. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recordings, Delhi's overall air quality was marked at 397, which falls under the "very poor" category. Delhi's pollution levels started dropping down marginally later on Monday due to an increase in wind speed.&nbsp;

The IMD predicted light rains on November 7 in Delhi which can further improve the air quality.

Northern India, every year during this time faces the menace of smog, due to stubble burning, bursting of crackers, and construction activities as the cooler air gets mixed with pollutants from these activities that make&nbsp;the air toxic and difficult to breathe.&nbsp;

On Monday, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal implemented the odd-even rationing scheme, in which cars with odd and even number plates are allowed to hit streets on alternate days. Kejriwal described the first day of the scheme as a success adding that nearly 15 lakh cars were off the road which prevented pollution and traffic.

However, Vijay Goel, a member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defied the odd-even rules and called the scheme an election gimmick. Delhi is due for the legislative elections next year.&nbsp;

So far, steps such as banning construction activities in Delhi, parking an air purifier&nbsp;vehicle in front of Taj Mahal have been taken to reduce air pollution levels. Delhi schools are also closed until Wednesday.&nbsp;

As per a report by WHO, 14 Indian cities are a part of 15 most polluted cities in the world, including Delhi. Around 10 lakh people die each year in India due to pollution.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

To improve the worsening air quality in the national capital, the Supreme Court ordered a complete halt to stubble burning around Delhi. Stubble burning is regarded as one of the biggest contributors to air pollution and is generally done during this time of the year.

To improve the worsening air quality in the national capital, the Supreme Court ordered a complete halt to stubble burning around Delhi. Stubble burning is regarded as one of the biggest contributors to air pollution and is generally done during this time of the year. Responding to the plea filed by activists, the apex court said that people of India are losing "precious years" due to air pollution, adding that this cannot be allowed in a "civilised" country, reports AFP. The Supreme Court also added that the entire police administration and the police department will be held liable if its latest directions are not followed. Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi's air quality showed signs of improvement as it moved to "very poor" from the "severe" category. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recordings, Delhi's overall air quality was marked at 397, which falls under the "very poor" category. Delhi's pollution levels started dropping down marginally later on Monday due to an increase in wind speed. The IMD predicted light rains on November 7 in Delhi which can further improve the air quality. Northern India, every year during this time faces the menace of smog, due to stubble burning, bursting of crackers, and construction activities as the cooler air gets mixed with pollutants from these activities that make the air toxic and difficult to breathe. On Monday, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal implemented the odd-even rationing scheme, in which cars with odd and even number plates are allowed to hit streets on alternate days. Kejriwal described the first day of the scheme as a success adding that nearly 15 lakh cars were off the road which prevented pollution and traffic. However, Vijay Goel, a member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defied the odd-even rules and called the scheme an election gimmick. Delhi is due for the legislative elections next year. So far, steps such as banning construction activities in Delhi, parking an air purifier vehicle in front of Taj Mahal have been taken to reduce air pollution levels. Delhi schools are also closed until Wednesday. As per a report by WHO, 14 Indian cities are a part of 15 most polluted cities in the world, including Delhi. Around 10 lakh people die each year in India due to pollution.

Supreme Court orders complete halt to stubble burning around Delhi

Petty Politics over health emergency? Is Pollution not affecting Politicians? Air Quality index in 'Hazardous Category'. Know more from Parthaa Bosu, the Air quality strategy expert.

An Apocalypse in New Delhi: Air quality index in 'hazardous category'

There is no respite for Delhiites from the hazardous air quality as the Delhi-NCR region was engulfed in a thick blanket of smog on Monday morning.

According to the data provided by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 were docked at 500.

In the Lodhi Road area, Air Quality Index (PM 2.5) was measured at 703, Delhi University's level was at 695 while in Dhirpur, the number was 676.

Also, in Gurugram, the AQI had crossed the 800 mark.

A layer of smog was seen around ITO as Air Quality Index (AQI) remained at 434 (severe) in ITO, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is "severe-plus emergency" category.

The public has been advised to avoid any outdoor physical activity and people with heart and lung diseases, older adults, and children are advised to remain indoors and avoid any exertion.

To combat the menace of air pollution, the government of Delhi's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-kejriwal-urges-citizens-to-follow-rules-as-odd-even-scheme-kicks-in-259765">Odd-Even Scheme</a> has also commenced today. It is scheduled to conclude on November 14.

The scheme will be applicable from 8 am to 8 pm. It will not be effective on Sunday, November 10.

On Sunday, Air pollution levels in the national capital had escalated to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-smog-bound-capital-chokes-suffers-most-hazardous-air-so-far-this-year-259691"> hazardous </a>and visibility dropped significantly as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city despite mild showers in the early morning.

There is no respite for Delhiites from the hazardous air quality as the Delhi-NCR region was engulfed in a thick blanket of smog on Monday morning. According to the data provided by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), major pollutants PM 2.

There is no respite for Delhiites from the hazardous air quality as the Delhi-NCR region was engulfed in a thick blanket of smog on Monday morning. According to the data provided by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 were docked at 500. In the Lodhi Road area, Air Quality Index (PM 2.5) was measured at 703, Delhi University's level was at 695 while in Dhirpur, the number was 676. Also, in Gurugram, the AQI had crossed the 800 mark. A layer of smog was seen around ITO as Air Quality Index (AQI) remained at 434 (severe) in ITO, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is "severe-plus emergency" category. The public has been advised to avoid any outdoor physical activity and people with heart and lung diseases, older adults, and children are advised to remain indoors and avoid any exertion. To combat the menace of air pollution, the government of Delhi's Odd-Even Scheme has also commenced today. It is scheduled to conclude on November 14. The scheme will be applicable from 8 am to 8 pm. It will not be effective on Sunday, November 10. On Sunday, Air pollution levels in the national capital had escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city despite mild showers in the early morning.

Delhi: Thick smog blankets parts of Delhi, Air Quality Index crosses severe level

Delhi residents woke up to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-may-receive-rainfall-after-november-6-imd-259507"> mild showers</a> in different parts of the city on early Sunday.

While the cloudy sky and haze prevented the Chhath devotees from getting a glimpse of the rising sun on the final day of the 4-day festival, the mild spell also failed to provide any respite from the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thick-smog-continues-to-affect-visibility-in-delhi-air-quality-index-remains-in-severe-259435">severe</a>'&nbsp;level of pollution in parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, there will be a possibility of light rain and thunderstorms throughout the city."Partly cloudy sky with possibility of very light rain or thundershowers. Strong surface winds during the day (speed 15-20 km). The maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 29 and 19 degree Celsius respectively", the weather forecast agency said.

The mild spell has led to a marginal drop in the Air Quality Index (AQI) with readings at different places showing in `severe category`.As of today morning, the AQI reading at Bawana is at 492, ITO crossing is at 487 and Ashok Vihar is at 482, all in the 'Severe'&nbsp;category.

In Ghaziabad, Vasundhara at 486 and Indirapuram at 482 on Air Quality Index. As per Skymet, the Air Quality Index for Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad shows severe to hazardous readings with PMs ranging from 400 to 709.

Experts have advised to wear face masks during outdoor exposure and limit outdoor activities to a minimum. Outdoor exercise and ventilation are not recommended.

On Friday, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority declared a public health emergency as the air quality will have an adverse health impact on all, particularly the children.

The layer of smog and dust particles is due to worsening air quality causes throat irritation and leads to serious health risks.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is the "severe-plus or emergency" category.

Delhi residents woke up to mild showers in different parts of the city on early Sunday. While the cloudy sky and haze prevented the Chhath devotees from getting a glimpse of the rising sun on the final day of the 4-day festival, the mild spell also failed to provide any respite from the 'severe' level of pollution in parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).

Delhi residents woke up to mild showers in different parts of the city on early Sunday. While the cloudy sky and haze prevented the Chhath devotees from getting a glimpse of the rising sun on the final day of the 4-day festival, the mild spell also failed to provide any respite from the 'severe' level of pollution in parts of the National Capital Region (NCR). According to the Indian Meteorological Department, there will be a possibility of light rain and thunderstorms throughout the city."Partly cloudy sky with possibility of very light rain or thundershowers. Strong surface winds during the day (speed 15-20 km). The maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 29 and 19 degree Celsius respectively", the weather forecast agency said. The mild spell has led to a marginal drop in the Air Quality Index (AQI) with readings at different places showing in `severe category`.As of today morning, the AQI reading at Bawana is at 492, ITO crossing is at 487 and Ashok Vihar is at 482, all in the 'Severe' category. In Ghaziabad, Vasundhara at 486 and Indirapuram at 482 on Air Quality Index. As per Skymet, the Air Quality Index for Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad shows severe to hazardous readings with PMs ranging from 400 to 709. Experts have advised to wear face masks during outdoor exposure and limit outdoor activities to a minimum. Outdoor exercise and ventilation are not recommended. On Friday, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority declared a public health emergency as the air quality will have an adverse health impact on all, particularly the children. The layer of smog and dust particles is due to worsening air quality causes throat irritation and leads to serious health risks. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is the "severe-plus or emergency" category.

Delhi receives mild showers, no respite from air pollution

Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning.

Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thick-smog-continues-to-affect-visibility-in-delhi-air-quality-index-remains-in-severe-259435">severe</a>".

Above 500 is the "severe-plus emergency" category. In Dhirpur, the AQI was 509, while in Delhi University area it was 591. In Delhi's famous Chandni Chowk area, the AQI was recorded at 432 while in Lodhi road it was 537.

Apart from the capital, Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and Noida are also reeling under the wave of severe air pollution. In both places, the AQI has crossed the mark of 600.

People residing in these areas complained of eye irritation and suffocation due to deteriorating air quality."We are athletes and have most of the events in the winter seasons.

This thick smog is affecting our health making it difficult to breathe in the poisonous air. The government must do something about it," Prashant Shukla, a local from Ghaziabad, told ANI.

Another local from Ghaziabad, Mukul Sharma, also narrated his ordeal and said, "I am coughing too much these days. I do not know how to safeguard myself from increasing air pollution. The government must tighten the noose around stubble burning."Also, in the Gautam Budh Nagar area, the Noida Authority conducted checking at various construction sites and arrested 27 people for flouting the construction ban.

"The construction is banned in Noida from November 1 to 5. We have conducted checking at sector 75, 35 and 72. We have arrested 27 people for flouting the ban. We will continue to conduct checks at construction sites," said an official from Noida Authority.

To combat the menace of air pollution, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15, 2019.

He has repeatedly said that the smog from the nearby states caused by the burning of crop residue is the major cause of pollution in the region.&nbsp;

Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning.

Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is the "severe-plus emergency" category. In Dhirpur, the AQI was 509, while in Delhi University area it was 591. In Delhi's famous Chandni Chowk area, the AQI was recorded at 432 while in Lodhi road it was 537. Apart from the capital, Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and Noida are also reeling under the wave of severe air pollution. In both places, the AQI has crossed the mark of 600. People residing in these areas complained of eye irritation and suffocation due to deteriorating air quality."We are athletes and have most of the events in the winter seasons. This thick smog is affecting our health making it difficult to breathe in the poisonous air. The government must do something about it," Prashant Shukla, a local from Ghaziabad, told ANI. Another local from Ghaziabad, Mukul Sharma, also narrated his ordeal and said, "I am coughing too much these days. I do not know how to safeguard myself from increasing air pollution. The government must tighten the noose around stubble burning."Also, in the Gautam Budh Nagar area, the Noida Authority conducted checking at various construction sites and arrested 27 people for flouting the construction ban. "The construction is banned in Noida from November 1 to 5. We have conducted checking at sector 75, 35 and 72. We have arrested 27 people for flouting the ban. We will continue to conduct checks at construction sites," said an official from Noida Authority. To combat the menace of air pollution, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15, 2019. He has repeatedly said that the smog from the nearby states caused by the burning of crop residue is the major cause of pollution in the region.

Delhi-NCR chokes on smog, visibility drops significantly as AQI crosses 600

The air quality in the national capital and its adjoining regions continued to remain in the 'hazardous category'&nbsp;with the pollution level hovering near 400.

Notably, because of the thick blanket of smog in the morning, scores commuters faced difficulty reaching their office on time as the visibility was affected causing slow movement of traffic at the major junctions.

Due to the prevailing weather condition, the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi has announced to shut the schools till November 5 and has also banned all construction activities.

The government has declared a "public health emergency".According to the air quality index (AQI) in the Lodhi Road area, major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 were recorded at 500 on Saturday.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor'&nbsp;and 401-500 'severe'.&nbsp; Above 500 falls in the 'severe plus'&nbsp;category.

In Uttar Pradesh's Noida, Moradabad, Hapur and Ghaziabad also, the air pollution was so severe that the locals were seen wearing masks while doing exercise today. AQI in Indirapuram was at 449 which falls in the 'hazardous category'.

"Despite the Supreme Court's ban, people have burst crackers. This has deteriorated the quality of air. The smog present in the atmosphere is causing respiratory illness. The Centre has issued some guidelines to prevent ourselves from air pollution. We are trying to follow it," said Mohini Malik, a school teacher.

In some cities of Punjab and Haryana such as Ludhiana, Ambala, and Kaithal, the air quality deteriorated so much that people were forced to remain outdoors in the morning.

"There is too much smoke outside. I am very feeling unwell. Too much money is getting spent on my treatment. I feel suffocated, the moment I step out of my house. All the places which emit smoke should be shut down at the earliest," said Bhupinder Kaur, a local from Ludhiana.

"In Ludhiana, the stubble burning practiced by farmers has caused air pollution in the region. I request the state government to fulfill the demands of the farmers and buy their stubble so that they do not burn it," said Satyendra Singh, a local from Ludhiana.

According to SAFAR, the air quality is likely to recover by the evening today towards the upper end of 'Very Poor'.

"A fresh Western Disturbance is likely to advance to eastern regions northwest India by November 2," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

The organization has also mentioned about the menace of stubble burning causing air pollution and informed, "The effective stubble fire counts of Northwest India (Haryana and Punjab) touched a new peak value of this year (3178) yesterday. In the wake of favourable boundary layer meteorology prevailing between Delhi and Stubble burning region supported by calm surface wind condition of Delhi, accumulation of pollutants sharply increased and stubble share in Delhi's PM 2.5 touched season`s high of 44 percent on October 31 as against the expected 25 percent."

"The share is predicted to drop down to 18 percent by November 2 owing to the increase in ventilation index dispersing it. By November 3 significant improvement to the very poor is expected," the weather forecast agency stated.&nbsp;

The air quality in the national capital and its adjoining regions continued to remain in the 'hazardous category' with the pollution level hovering near 400. Notably, because of the thick blanket of smog in the morning, scores commuters faced difficulty reaching their office on time as the visibility was affected causing slow movement of traffic at the major junctions.

The air quality in the national capital and its adjoining regions continued to remain in the 'hazardous category' with the pollution level hovering near 400. Notably, because of the thick blanket of smog in the morning, scores commuters faced difficulty reaching their office on time as the visibility was affected causing slow movement of traffic at the major junctions. Due to the prevailing weather condition, the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi has announced to shut the schools till November 5 and has also banned all construction activities. The government has declared a "public health emergency".According to the air quality index (AQI) in the Lodhi Road area, major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 were recorded at 500 on Saturday. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. Above 500 falls in the 'severe plus' category. In Uttar Pradesh's Noida, Moradabad, Hapur and Ghaziabad also, the air pollution was so severe that the locals were seen wearing masks while doing exercise today. AQI in Indirapuram was at 449 which falls in the 'hazardous category'. "Despite the Supreme Court's ban, people have burst crackers. This has deteriorated the quality of air. The smog present in the atmosphere is causing respiratory illness. The Centre has issued some guidelines to prevent ourselves from air pollution. We are trying to follow it," said Mohini Malik, a school teacher. In some cities of Punjab and Haryana such as Ludhiana, Ambala, and Kaithal, the air quality deteriorated so much that people were forced to remain outdoors in the morning. "There is too much smoke outside. I am very feeling unwell. Too much money is getting spent on my treatment. I feel suffocated, the moment I step out of my house. All the places which emit smoke should be shut down at the earliest," said Bhupinder Kaur, a local from Ludhiana. "In Ludhiana, the stubble burning practiced by farmers has caused air pollution in the region. I request the state government to fulfill the demands of the farmers and buy their stubble so that they do not burn it," said Satyendra Singh, a local from Ludhiana. According to SAFAR, the air quality is likely to recover by the evening today towards the upper end of 'Very Poor'. "A fresh Western Disturbance is likely to advance to eastern regions northwest India by November 2," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. The organization has also mentioned about the menace of stubble burning causing air pollution and informed, "The effective stubble fire counts of Northwest India (Haryana and Punjab) touched a new peak value of this year (3178) yesterday. In the wake of favourable boundary layer meteorology prevailing between Delhi and Stubble burning region supported by calm surface wind condition of Delhi, accumulation of pollutants sharply increased and stubble share in Delhi's PM 2.5 touched season`s high of 44 percent on October 31 as against the expected 25 percent." "The share is predicted to drop down to 18 percent by November 2 owing to the increase in ventilation index dispersing it. By November 3 significant improvement to the very poor is expected," the weather forecast agency stated.

Thick smog continues to affect visibility in Delhi; Air Quality Index remains in 'severe'

People residing in the national capital and its nearby areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida are forced to breath <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/delhi-witnesses-public-health-emergency-as-air-quality-dips-to-severe-258952">hazardous air</a> as Air Quality Index (AQI) has plunged to 425, which falls in the severe category, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

While speaking to ANI, many citizens complained of fatigue, breathlessness and eye irritation due to spike in dust particles in the air.

"There is too much smog nowadays, making it difficult for us to do exercise. I have also developed eye irritation. The only solution to this problem is that we should stop burning crackers during Diwali," said Farhan Khurshid, a local from New Delhi.

Ravi from Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh also expressed worry about the worsening health of his children due to deteriorating air quality in the region and said, "The situation is very bad and I don`t know what to do. My children are falling ill and has developed the respiratory problem as they are inhaling poisonous air. I am planning to move out of Delhi-NCR."

A Noida resident asked citizens to come forward and collectively take responsibility for tackling the pollution menace.

For Rashmi Sharma, a resident of Noida, the only way to curb this menace is by taking collective responsibility. " Reducing air pollution is not only the government`s responsibility but our responsibility also. We must all come together and take steps to reduce it."

According to SAFAR, the overall <a href="wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-dips-in-four-major-indian-cities-during-diwali-environment-startup-259055">AQI of Delhi</a> continues to be in the SEVERE category for the fourth consecutive day.

The calm surface wind condition that prevails last two days over Delhi has led to strong surface nocturnal inversion and accumulation of pollutants.

Also, the effective stubble fire counts of Northwest India (Haryana and Punjab) has increased from the previous day count of 1057 to 2396, as evident from SAFAR-multi-satellite fire product.

The stubble fire percentage contribution of Delhi`s air quality which has touched the season`s highest share of 35 per cent on October 30 is predicted to be 27 per cent for today and 25 per cent on November 1.

An improvement to the lower end of the `Very poor` category is expected by November 2.&nbsp;

People residing in the national capital and its nearby areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida are forced to breath hazardous air as Air Quality Index (AQI) has plunged to 425, which falls in the severe category, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

People residing in the national capital and its nearby areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida are forced to breath hazardous air as Air Quality Index (AQI) has plunged to 425, which falls in the severe category, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). While speaking to ANI, many citizens complained of fatigue, breathlessness and eye irritation due to spike in dust particles in the air. "There is too much smog nowadays, making it difficult for us to do exercise. I have also developed eye irritation. The only solution to this problem is that we should stop burning crackers during Diwali," said Farhan Khurshid, a local from New Delhi. Ravi from Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh also expressed worry about the worsening health of his children due to deteriorating air quality in the region and said, "The situation is very bad and I don`t know what to do. My children are falling ill and has developed the respiratory problem as they are inhaling poisonous air. I am planning to move out of Delhi-NCR." A Noida resident asked citizens to come forward and collectively take responsibility for tackling the pollution menace. For Rashmi Sharma, a resident of Noida, the only way to curb this menace is by taking collective responsibility. " Reducing air pollution is not only the government`s responsibility but our responsibility also. We must all come together and take steps to reduce it." According to SAFAR, the overall AQI of Delhi continues to be in the SEVERE category for the fourth consecutive day. The calm surface wind condition that prevails last two days over Delhi has led to strong surface nocturnal inversion and accumulation of pollutants. Also, the effective stubble fire counts of Northwest India (Haryana and Punjab) has increased from the previous day count of 1057 to 2396, as evident from SAFAR-multi-satellite fire product. The stubble fire percentage contribution of Delhi`s air quality which has touched the season`s highest share of 35 per cent on October 30 is predicted to be 27 per cent for today and 25 per cent on November 1. An improvement to the lower end of the `Very poor` category is expected by November 2.

'Feeling breathless': Delhi-NCR residents complain as air quality turns 'hazardous'

Delhi and Noida were left reeling under 'very poor' pollution levels after Diwali celebrations which saw people bursting crackers to mark the occasion.

The overall air quality index stood at 306 and 356 in Delhi and Noida respectively.

Extremely poor pollution levels were previously predicted in Delhi due to firecracker emissions, unfavourable weather and a significant spike in stubble burning in neighbouring states.

As Haryana too witnessed bursting of crackers on Diwali, its AQI stood at 279 (poor) at NISE Gwal Pahari area in Gurugram.

On Saturday, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chokes-again-day-ahead-of-diwali-likely-to-worsen-tomorrow-258250">(SAFAR) had predicted</a> that the air quality will get even worse in coming days and the AQI was expected to be around 324 due to Diwali.

In the wake of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-remains-poor-on-diwali-in-new-delhi-258353">increased pollution</a>, Delhi residents have complained of a spike in respiratory problems and allergies.

Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana makes the situation in Delhi worse. According to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), straw burning has increased this year.

To curb air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Delhi and Noida were left reeling under 'very poor' pollution levels after Diwali celebrations which saw people bursting crackers to mark the occasion. The overall air quality index stood at 306 and 356 in Delhi and Noida respectively.

Delhi and Noida were left reeling under 'very poor' pollution levels after Diwali celebrations which saw people bursting crackers to mark the occasion. The overall air quality index stood at 306 and 356 in Delhi and Noida respectively. Extremely poor pollution levels were previously predicted in Delhi due to firecracker emissions, unfavourable weather and a significant spike in stubble burning in neighbouring states. As Haryana too witnessed bursting of crackers on Diwali, its AQI stood at 279 (poor) at NISE Gwal Pahari area in Gurugram. On Saturday, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) had predicted that the air quality will get even worse in coming days and the AQI was expected to be around 324 due to Diwali. In the wake of the increased pollution, Delhi residents have complained of a spike in respiratory problems and allergies. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana makes the situation in Delhi worse. According to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), straw burning has increased this year. To curb air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15.

Air quality level in Delhi 'very poor' post-Diwali

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-in-delhi-noida-very-poor-post-diwali-258435">air quality deteriorated</a> in the national capital after Diwali, Delhi Environment Minister Kailash Gahlot on Monday assured of taking all "necessary" steps if the situation continues for the next 48 hours.

Speaking to ANI, Gahlot said, "We have taken the steps to combat the situation and they are also being implemented. If the situation continues for the next 48 hours, we will take further necessary steps."

The East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) earlier in the day sprinkled water on roads in Anand Vihar area, to reduce dust as a pollution control measure.

Delhiites complained about the difficulty in breathing and of burning sensation in the eyes as they woke up today.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality of the national capital is in the higher-end of 'very poor' category.

However, Gahlot said that air pollution was comparatively better this year after Diwali than that of 2018.

"This time, the air pollution level is comparatively better than the last Diwali. It is high time to realise the situation. We must celebrate Diwali but we also have to take care of our environment," he added.

On November 9 last year, overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 428, which falls under the 'hazardous' category.

Speaking on the appointment of marshals in Delhi government buses, the Environment Minister said, "Nowhere in the world according to our knowledge have appointed bus marshals at this scale like in Delhi for the security of women. They will also get to travel for free in DTC buses from tomorrow." (ANI)

As air quality deteriorated in the national capital after Diwali, Delhi Environment Minister Kailash Gahlot on Monday assured of taking all "necessary" steps if the situation continues for the next 48 hours.

As air quality deteriorated in the national capital after Diwali, Delhi Environment Minister Kailash Gahlot on Monday assured of taking all "necessary" steps if the situation continues for the next 48 hours. Speaking to ANI, Gahlot said, "We have taken the steps to combat the situation and they are also being implemented. If the situation continues for the next 48 hours, we will take further necessary steps." The East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) earlier in the day sprinkled water on roads in Anand Vihar area, to reduce dust as a pollution control measure. Delhiites complained about the difficulty in breathing and of burning sensation in the eyes as they woke up today. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality of the national capital is in the higher-end of 'very poor' category. However, Gahlot said that air pollution was comparatively better this year after Diwali than that of 2018. "This time, the air pollution level is comparatively better than the last Diwali. It is high time to realise the situation. We must celebrate Diwali but we also have to take care of our environment," he added. On November 9 last year, overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 428, which falls under the 'hazardous' category. Speaking on the appointment of marshals in Delhi government buses, the Environment Minister said, "Nowhere in the world according to our knowledge have appointed bus marshals at this scale like in Delhi for the security of women. They will also get to travel for free in DTC buses from tomorrow." (ANI)

Will take all necessary steps if air quality continues to deteriorate: Delhi Environment Minister

Delhi-NCR's air quality worsened after Diwali celebrations. After the great fun-filled celebrations of Diwali, Delhi's air turned hazardous and breathing became arduous. Watch this video to know more.

Delhi-NCR's air quality worsens after Diwali celebrations

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hazy-morning-in-delhi-ncr-air-quality-continues-to-be-poor-256010">air quality in the national capital region</a> continues to dip, NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) depicts stubble burning in Delhi's adjoining areas.&nbsp;

While the fires were highlighted in isolated places across the country, the concentration intensified as one moved northward on India's map near Punjab, Haryana. &nbsp;

According to reports, the Delhi government also shared the NASA images pointing at the "large scale crop residue burning in states adjoining Delhi".&nbsp;

The Kejriwal-government has long blamed the stubble-burning activities in adjoining states like Punjab, Haryana and other areas for the drop in the air quality of the national capital during the winter months.&nbsp;

Previously conducted studies by NASA show&nbsp;the drop in North India's air quality during winters.

Research published in November 2015 by NASA's Earth Observatory stated, "satellites began to detect large numbers of active fires in mid-October. Normally extensive agricultural burning lasts for about three weeks. Although most of the haze appears to originate from the agricultural fires, other factors such as urban and industrial smog may also be contributing".

It explained how several types of particles and gases are released into the atmosphere, "including smog-forming carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide" due to this fire.&nbsp;

"Haze that forms over Punjab rarely stays there. While the fires burn, smoke often blankets much of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, exposing millions of people in the densely populated plain to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-12-million-early-deaths-in-india-due-to-air-pollution-report-207651">elevated levels of air pollution</a>," it added.&nbsp;

Another piece shared by the Earth Observatory way back in the year 2010 described skies over northern Indian as "some of the haziest in the world".

"After the rains of the summer monsoon clear the dust, the composition of the air shifts in the fall crop-burning season (October and November) for farmers, particularly in the northwestern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. When MODIS passed over on November 4, 2010, the sensor observed numerous small fires and a large smoke plume lingering downwind."

The finding published on NASA's webpage attributed the change in air quality in Northern India to a host of factors ranging from smoke originating from cooking, heating stoves in rural areas, "smattering of agricultural fires that continue through the winter", adding that the urban community adds to the worsening air quality by the means of vehicular pollution, "coal-fired power plants, and other industrial sources".

Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday sought a report from the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab over the action taken to stop stubble burning in their respective states, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The NGT said that the report should be filed by November 15 which is also the next date of hearing.&nbsp;

The bench observed that the burning of crops is still taking place and that the states have not been able to communicate with the farmers and educate them about the same.

"If you have not succeeded then it is the failure of the state. Ultimately, the citizens are suffering," the tribunal observed.

Farmers residing in Haryana and Punjab have begun burning their crop residue in order to clear the fields of the summer harvest. Smoke from these two states travels to Delhi, leading to a spike in the air pollution levels.

The air quality index (AQI) in the national capital remains in the 'poor' category according to the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

As air quality in the national capital region continues to dip, NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) depicts stubble burning in Delhi's adjoining areas.

As air quality in the national capital region continues to dip, NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) depicts stubble burning in Delhi's adjoining areas. While the fires were highlighted in isolated places across the country, the concentration intensified as one moved northward on India's map near Punjab, Haryana. According to reports, the Delhi government also shared the NASA images pointing at the "large scale crop residue burning in states adjoining Delhi". The Kejriwal-government has long blamed the stubble-burning activities in adjoining states like Punjab, Haryana and other areas for the drop in the air quality of the national capital during the winter months. Previously conducted studies by NASA show the drop in North India's air quality during winters. Research published in November 2015 by NASA's Earth Observatory stated, "satellites began to detect large numbers of active fires in mid-October. Normally extensive agricultural burning lasts for about three weeks. Although most of the haze appears to originate from the agricultural fires, other factors such as urban and industrial smog may also be contributing". It explained how several types of particles and gases are released into the atmosphere, "including smog-forming carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide" due to this fire. "Haze that forms over Punjab rarely stays there. While the fires burn, smoke often blankets much of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, exposing millions of people in the densely populated plain to elevated levels of air pollution," it added. Another piece shared by the Earth Observatory way back in the year 2010 described skies over northern Indian as "some of the haziest in the world". "After the rains of the summer monsoon clear the dust, the composition of the air shifts in the fall crop-burning season (October and November) for farmers, particularly in the northwestern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. When MODIS passed over on November 4, 2010, the sensor observed numerous small fires and a large smoke plume lingering downwind." The finding published on NASA's webpage attributed the change in air quality in Northern India to a host of factors ranging from smoke originating from cooking, heating stoves in rural areas, "smattering of agricultural fires that continue through the winter", adding that the urban community adds to the worsening air quality by the means of vehicular pollution, "coal-fired power plants, and other industrial sources". Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday sought a report from the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab over the action taken to stop stubble burning in their respective states, news agency ANI reported. The NGT said that the report should be filed by November 15 which is also the next date of hearing. The bench observed that the burning of crops is still taking place and that the states have not been able to communicate with the farmers and educate them about the same. "If you have not succeeded then it is the failure of the state. Ultimately, the citizens are suffering," the tribunal observed. Farmers residing in Haryana and Punjab have begun burning their crop residue in order to clear the fields of the summer harvest. Smoke from these two states travels to Delhi, leading to a spike in the air pollution levels. The air quality index (AQI) in the national capital remains in the 'poor' category according to the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

NASA images show stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana

People residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad woke up to a hazy morning on Tuesday as the air quality index (AQI) dipped again to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-quality-remains-poor-for-fifth-consecutive-day-255831">poor category</a> for the sixth consecutive day.

The data collated by the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) showed the overall air quality of Delhi was docking at 252 at 8:30 am in the morning.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

At Dhirpur, the AQI was 259 at 8:30 am, while at Mathura Road area it dipped to the `poor` category at 296. Furthermore, the AQI near Pusa, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 215, 293 and 241 respectively.

The air quality index is expected to plunge further around Diwali, if the availability of green crackers, as promised by the Central Government, is not ensured.

Last year, during this festival, the apex court had banned conventional firecrackers and passed an order stating that only green crackers with reduced emissions will be allowed.&nbsp;

People residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad woke up to a hazy morning on Tuesday as the air quality index (AQI) dipped again to the poor category for the sixth consecutive day.

People residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad woke up to a hazy morning on Tuesday as the air quality index (AQI) dipped again to the poor category for the sixth consecutive day. The data collated by the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) showed the overall air quality of Delhi was docking at 252 at 8:30 am in the morning. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 259 at 8:30 am, while at Mathura Road area it dipped to the `poor` category at 296. Furthermore, the AQI near Pusa, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 215, 293 and 241 respectively. The air quality index is expected to plunge further around Diwali, if the availability of green crackers, as promised by the Central Government, is not ensured. Last year, during this festival, the apex court had banned conventional firecrackers and passed an order stating that only green crackers with reduced emissions will be allowed.

Hazy morning in Delhi-NCR, air quality continues to be 'poor'

Delhi air quality remained poor for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday with overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 266.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the pollution level will plunge tomorrow with the AQI oscillating between 'poor'&nbsp;to 'moderate'&nbsp;category.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

AQI was 313 in Dhirpur at 8:30 am and it dipped to `very poor` category at 306 in Mathura Road area. AQI near Pusa, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 245, 290 and 300 respectively.

The organisation has advised 'Sensitive Groups'&nbsp;to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities.

The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur.

"Heart patients, see the doctor, if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," the organisation stated in its advisory.

Starting October 15, strict measures to combat the menace of air pollution will come into force in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017.&nbsp;

Delhi air quality remained poor for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday with overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 266. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the pollution level will plunge tomorrow with the AQI oscillating between 'poor' to 'moderate' category.

Delhi air quality remained poor for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday with overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 266. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the pollution level will plunge tomorrow with the AQI oscillating between 'poor' to 'moderate' category. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous. AQI was 313 in Dhirpur at 8:30 am and it dipped to `very poor` category at 306 in Mathura Road area. AQI near Pusa, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 245, 290 and 300 respectively. The organisation has advised 'Sensitive Groups' to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities. The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. "Heart patients, see the doctor, if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," the organisation stated in its advisory. Starting October 15, strict measures to combat the menace of air pollution will come into force in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017.

Delhi air quality poor for fourth consecutive day

Smog and dust can be observed in parts of Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad on Saturday, as air quality in a number of areas fell to the 'poor'&nbsp;category.

At around 8:30 in the morning, the overall air quality index (AQI) was docking at 218, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

At Dhirpur, the AQI was 138 at 8:30 am, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to 'poor'&nbsp;category at 241. Furthermore, AQI near Chandni Chowk, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 176, and 153 respectively.

The organisation has advised 'Sensitive Groups'&nbsp;to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities.

The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur.

"Heart patients, see the doctor, if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," the organisation stated in its advisory.&nbsp;

Smog and dust can be observed in parts of Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad on Saturday, as air quality in a number of areas fell to the 'poor' category.

Smog and dust can be observed in parts of Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad on Saturday, as air quality in a number of areas fell to the 'poor' category. At around 8:30 in the morning, the overall air quality index (AQI) was docking at 218, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 138 at 8:30 am, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to 'poor' category at 241. Furthermore, AQI near Chandni Chowk, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 176, and 153 respectively. The organisation has advised 'Sensitive Groups' to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities. The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. "Heart patients, see the doctor, if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," the organisation stated in its advisory.

Delhi's air quality plunges to 'poor' category

Chilly morning coupled with shallow fog was seen in Delhi on Thursday morning and according to the MeT department, there is a possibility of development of lightning on Friday.

The maximum and minimum temperatures were hovering at 26 degree Celsius and 10 Degree Celsius with humidity oscillating between 80 to 86 per cent, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Due to chilly winds, the air quality index (AQI) of the national capital is in the "moderate category" as the presence of moisture has increased the air’s capacity to hold particulate matter (PM) for a longer time.

The overall AQI of Delhi was docking at 142 in the morning. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 120 at 8 am, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to the moderate category at 156. Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 138, 121 and 157 respectively according to SAFAR.

According to the Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the day temperatures will now increase, while the night temperatures will not see any major changes.

On closer look, while most states of Northern India are still under the influence of successive weather systems affecting the northern hills and plains, some areas of South India start experiencing hot-dry conditions with very high maximums.

The MeT department has predicted that March to May, 2019 season average temperatures are likely to be normal over most of the subdivisions except a few subdivisions of Northwest India,&nbsp;and southern part of west coast where above normal temperatures are most likely.

"Since the last two to three days, parts of South India particularly Rayalaseema and Interior Tamil Nadu have been experiencing heatwave like condition, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees,"&nbsp;Skymet said.

"At present, a trough is extending from interior parts of Tamil Nadu to Comorin region. However, we do not expect any significant weather activities in association with this system, but chances of isolated patchy rain for short duration over a few places cannot be ruled out," it added.&nbsp;

Chilly morning coupled with shallow fog was seen in Delhi on Thursday morning and according to the MeT department, there is a possibility of development of lightning on Friday.

Chilly morning coupled with shallow fog was seen in Delhi on Thursday morning and according to the MeT department, there is a possibility of development of lightning on Friday. The maximum and minimum temperatures were hovering at 26 degree Celsius and 10 Degree Celsius with humidity oscillating between 80 to 86 per cent, according to the India Meteorological Department. Due to chilly winds, the air quality index (AQI) of the national capital is in the "moderate category" as the presence of moisture has increased the air’s capacity to hold particulate matter (PM) for a longer time. The overall AQI of Delhi was docking at 142 in the morning. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 120 at 8 am, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to the moderate category at 156. Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 138, 121 and 157 respectively according to SAFAR. According to the Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the day temperatures will now increase, while the night temperatures will not see any major changes. On closer look, while most states of Northern India are still under the influence of successive weather systems affecting the northern hills and plains, some areas of South India start experiencing hot-dry conditions with very high maximums. The MeT department has predicted that March to May, 2019 season average temperatures are likely to be normal over most of the subdivisions except a few subdivisions of Northwest India, and southern part of west coast where above normal temperatures are most likely. "Since the last two to three days, parts of South India particularly Rayalaseema and Interior Tamil Nadu have been experiencing heatwave like condition, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees," Skymet said. "At present, a trough is extending from interior parts of Tamil Nadu to Comorin region. However, we do not expect any significant weather activities in association with this system, but chances of isolated patchy rain for short duration over a few places cannot be ruled out," it added.

Minimum temperature in Delhi settles at 10 degree Celsius, air quality in moderate category

The national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida on Saturday woke up to scattered rainfall bringing some respite from the cold wave and air pollution.

The thunderstorm with hail is predicted for Sunday too and a generally cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle has been forecast for Monday, March 4, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

The rainfall is due to a western disturbance that lies as a cyclonic circulation over East Afghanistan and as an induced cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan and neighbourhood, the country`s apex weather agency said.

At 8 in the morning, the Air Quality Index was&nbsp;docking at 173 which falls in the "moderate category".

Overall air quality over Delhi is in moderate category but it is predicted to enter into the &nbsp;"poor" category on Sunday owing to increased moisture in the air and normalisation of wind speed which was becoming high during the day time for the past few days, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

However, moisture is not going to last longer and may precipitate bringing back the AQI to "moderate" from Sunday onwards, it said.

According to Skymet Weather, a private weather forecasting agency, "On March 2, another fresh Western Disturbance will approach the northern hills which will once again induce a cyclonic circulation over the northwestern plains. A trough will also extend from circulation up to south Uttar Pradesh. This trough will be responsible for giving scattered rain and thundershowers over Delhi-NCR on March 2 and 3. Thereafter, the weather systems will once again weaken and move eastwards, leading to commencement of dry and cold northwesterly winds," Skymet added.&nbsp;

The national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida on Saturday woke up to scattered rainfall bringing some respite from the cold wave and air pollution.

The national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida on Saturday woke up to scattered rainfall bringing some respite from the cold wave and air pollution. The thunderstorm with hail is predicted for Sunday too and a generally cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle has been forecast for Monday, March 4, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The rainfall is due to a western disturbance that lies as a cyclonic circulation over East Afghanistan and as an induced cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan and neighbourhood, the country`s apex weather agency said. At 8 in the morning, the Air Quality Index was docking at 173 which falls in the "moderate category". Overall air quality over Delhi is in moderate category but it is predicted to enter into the "poor" category on Sunday owing to increased moisture in the air and normalisation of wind speed which was becoming high during the day time for the past few days, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). However, moisture is not going to last longer and may precipitate bringing back the AQI to "moderate" from Sunday onwards, it said. According to Skymet Weather, a private weather forecasting agency, "On March 2, another fresh Western Disturbance will approach the northern hills which will once again induce a cyclonic circulation over the northwestern plains. A trough will also extend from circulation up to south Uttar Pradesh. This trough will be responsible for giving scattered rain and thundershowers over Delhi-NCR on March 2 and 3. Thereafter, the weather systems will once again weaken and move eastwards, leading to commencement of dry and cold northwesterly winds," Skymet added.

Delhi wakes up to light showers, air quality remains 'moderate'

Raising concerns over the depleting air quality in Uttar Pradesh, artificial lungs installed near Nagar Nigam office in Lalbagh area turned black within 24 hours.

"This shows the air quality here. It took six days for the lungs to turn black in Delhi, 18 days in Bengaluru," said Ekta Shekhar, Director, Climate Agenda.

She added, "In Lucknow, the lungs turned black by the very next day of the installation, within 24 hours."

"We had used HEPA filters. There are loopholes in the National Clean Air Programme of the government. Till the time they are not addressed, the situation won't be better in the state," Shekhar said.

Besides UP, the overall air quality index (AQI) again deteriorated to 'very poor' category on Sunday in the national capital after the level of harmful pollutants shot up.

According to Centre-run SAFAR, Delhi's AQI was docking at 382 in the morning.&nbsp;

Raising concerns over the depleting air quality in Uttar Pradesh, artificial lungs installed near Nagar Nigam office in Lalbagh area turned black within 24 hours.

Raising concerns over the depleting air quality in Uttar Pradesh, artificial lungs installed near Nagar Nigam office in Lalbagh area turned black within 24 hours. "This shows the air quality here. It took six days for the lungs to turn black in Delhi, 18 days in Bengaluru," said Ekta Shekhar, Director, Climate Agenda. She added, "In Lucknow, the lungs turned black by the very next day of the installation, within 24 hours." "We had used HEPA filters. There are loopholes in the National Clean Air Programme of the government. Till the time they are not addressed, the situation won't be better in the state," Shekhar said. Besides UP, the overall air quality index (AQI) again deteriorated to 'very poor' category on Sunday in the national capital after the level of harmful pollutants shot up. According to Centre-run SAFAR, Delhi's AQI was docking at 382 in the morning.

UP air quality: Artificial lungs turn black within 24 hours

Lucknow's toxic air: Artificial model human lung turns black in a day

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'severe' category Friday due to reduced wind speed even as authorities have forecast rainfall in the next couple of days which they said might lower the pollution level.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 402, which falls in the 'severe' category.

An AQI between 100 and 200 comes under the 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 'severe'.

Twenty-two areas recorded 'severe' air quality and 13 'very poor', the CPCB said.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Greater Noida recorded 'severe' air quality, while Gurgaon 'very poor' air quality, it said.

The overall PM2.5 level - fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres - in Delhi was recorded at 278, while the PM10 level was at 430, it said.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the air quality may improve in the next two days under the influence of light rains which is expected thereafter.

"The overall air quality will deteriorate further, with small fluctuations in the next three days if it does not rain. Other meteorological conditions are not favourable although foggy conditions are likely to reduce now," the SAFAR said.

Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category Wednesday and Thursday with increased wind speed which helps in cleansing the air before slipping into 'very poor' category on Friday morning before nosediving towards severe pollution level.

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'severe' category Friday due to reduced wind speed even as authorities have forecast rainfall in the next couple of days which they said might lower the pollution level.

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'severe' category Friday due to reduced wind speed even as authorities have forecast rainfall in the next couple of days which they said might lower the pollution level. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 402, which falls in the 'severe' category. An AQI between 100 and 200 comes under the 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 'severe'. Twenty-two areas recorded 'severe' air quality and 13 'very poor', the CPCB said. In the National Capital Region (NCR), Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Greater Noida recorded 'severe' air quality, while Gurgaon 'very poor' air quality, it said. The overall PM2.5 level - fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres - in Delhi was recorded at 278, while the PM10 level was at 430, it said. The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the air quality may improve in the next two days under the influence of light rains which is expected thereafter. "The overall air quality will deteriorate further, with small fluctuations in the next three days if it does not rain. Other meteorological conditions are not favourable although foggy conditions are likely to reduce now," the SAFAR said. Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category Wednesday and Thursday with increased wind speed which helps in cleansing the air before slipping into 'very poor' category on Friday morning before nosediving towards severe pollution level.

Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 'severe' category

Dense fog on Wednesday blanketed the national capital and affected railway operations here, with around 12 trains being affected due to low visibility conditions.

The list of the delayed trains included Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express, Bhagalpur-Anand Vihar Garib Rath Express, Varanasi-New Delhi Kashi Vishwanath Express and New Jalpaiguri-New Delhi Express.

Most of the trains were running late between two to three hours.

With Delhi already being shrouded in a blanket of fog, the city's air quality is also on the poor side, with the index touching the 'severe'&nbsp;category.

According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 402 till 8 am, which fall in the 'hazardous'&nbsp;or 'severe'&nbsp;category.

The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. 300-400 is considered as 'very poor'&nbsp;and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous'.

Within the national capital, the AQI of most places clocked in the 'severe category'.

At Dhirpur, Delhi University, Pitampura, Chandni Chowk and Mathura Road, the index clocked at 425, 539, 482, 442, and 433, respectively.

The AQI at IGI Airport, Pusa Road and Lodhi Road clocked in the 'very poor category'&nbsp;with the index at 363, 319 and 308, respectively.

Meanwhile, the maximum temperature on Tuesday was recorded at 23 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 4 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal, as per the India Meterological Department (IMD).

The cold wave is expected to grip the national in the next few days with the maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast at 24 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, respectively.

As temperatures dipped in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the homeless people, who are the worst sufferers in the chilly weather season, continued to turn towards crowded night shelters in different parts of the city to escape the icy cold winds.

Meanwhile, the IMD said that an active western disturbance is very likely to cause fairly widespread rain and snow over western Himalayan region and isolated rainfall over Punjab and northern parts of Haryana during the next 24 hours.

"Likely cloud cover and enhanced humidity could lead to further gradual increase in night minimum temperatures over parts of northwest India, thereby reducing the severity of cold wave conditions during next 24 hours. However, dense fog conditions are likely to occur during late night to morning hours over these regions, especially on January 2 and 3," the weather agency said in a bulletin.

The IMD further said that another active western disturbance is likely to cause widespread rain and snow with isolated heavy falls over western Himalayan region and scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with isolated hailstorms over parts of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on January 4 and 5.&nbsp;

Most of the trains were running late between two to three hours.

Dense fog on Wednesday blanketed the national capital and affected railway operations here, with around 12 trains being affected due to low visibility conditions. The list of the delayed trains included Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express, Bhagalpur-Anand Vihar Garib Rath Express, Varanasi-New Delhi Kashi Vishwanath Express and New Jalpaiguri-New Delhi Express. Most of the trains were running late between two to three hours. With Delhi already being shrouded in a blanket of fog, the city's air quality is also on the poor side, with the index touching the 'severe' category. According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 402 till 8 am, which fall in the 'hazardous' or 'severe' category. The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. 300-400 is considered as 'very poor' and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous'. Within the national capital, the AQI of most places clocked in the 'severe category'. At Dhirpur, Delhi University, Pitampura, Chandni Chowk and Mathura Road, the index clocked at 425, 539, 482, 442, and 433, respectively. The AQI at IGI Airport, Pusa Road and Lodhi Road clocked in the 'very poor category' with the index at 363, 319 and 308, respectively. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature on Tuesday was recorded at 23 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 4 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal, as per the India Meterological Department (IMD). The cold wave is expected to grip the national in the next few days with the maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast at 24 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, respectively. As temperatures dipped in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the homeless people, who are the worst sufferers in the chilly weather season, continued to turn towards crowded night shelters in different parts of the city to escape the icy cold winds. Meanwhile, the IMD said that an active western disturbance is very likely to cause fairly widespread rain and snow over western Himalayan region and isolated rainfall over Punjab and northern parts of Haryana during the next 24 hours. "Likely cloud cover and enhanced humidity could lead to further gradual increase in night minimum temperatures over parts of northwest India, thereby reducing the severity of cold wave conditions during next 24 hours. However, dense fog conditions are likely to occur during late night to morning hours over these regions, especially on January 2 and 3," the weather agency said in a bulletin. The IMD further said that another active western disturbance is likely to cause widespread rain and snow with isolated heavy falls over western Himalayan region and scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with isolated hailstorms over parts of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on January 4 and 5.

Delhi: 12 trains delayed due to fog, air quality in 'severe' category

Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' on Saturday even as authorities warned of a spike in pollution level from the next week when dense fog is expected to engulf the national capital.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 343.

An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor' and 401 and 500 is 'severe'.

The air quality in four areas Jahangirpuri and Nehru Nagar recorded severe air quality while 26 areas recorded very poor air quality and two areas recorded poor air quality, according to CPCB.

The overall PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 193 and the PM10 level at 353, it said.

In NCR,&nbsp;Faridabad and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality, the CPCB data showed.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the overall air quality of Delhi continues to remain in the 'very poor' range.

"Meteorological conditions have slightly improved causing dispersion of pollutants but the air quality might deteriorate from Sunday with dense fog engulfing the capital which may degrade the air quality," the SAFAR said.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the maximum ventilation index was likely around 4000 sqm/second on Saturday.

A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second with an average wind speed of less than 10 kmph is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants, it said.

The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority Friday said they are seriously considering banning industrial, construction and demolition activities at major pollution hotspots in Delhi-NCR when air quality levels reach 'severe' category.

The Central Pollution Control Board-led task force on November 22 recommended to the EPCA that industrial, construction and demolition activities should be banned in major hotspot areas when air quality levels reach 'severe' category.

The task force has identified 15 pollution hotspots in Delhi.

They are Anand Vihar, Bawana, CRRI Mathura Road, DTU, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Dwarka-Sector 8, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, NSIT Dwarka, Narela, Okhla Phase-2, R K Puram, Rohini, Shadipur, Wazirpur.

In NCR areas outside Delhi, six hotspots have been identified. They are&nbsp;Sector-16A in Faridabad, Vikas Sadan in Gurgaon, Vasundhara in Ghaziabad, Knowledge Park-III in Greater Noida, Sector-125 in Noida and RIICO Industrial Area-III in Bhiwadi.

Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' on Saturday even as authorities warned of a spike in pollution level from the next week when dense fog is expected to engulf the national capital.

Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' on Saturday even as authorities warned of a spike in pollution level from the next week when dense fog is expected to engulf the national capital. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 343. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor' and 401 and 500 is 'severe'. The air quality in four areas Jahangirpuri and Nehru Nagar recorded severe air quality while 26 areas recorded very poor air quality and two areas recorded poor air quality, according to CPCB. The overall PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 193 and the PM10 level at 353, it said. In NCR, Faridabad and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality, the CPCB data showed. The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the overall air quality of Delhi continues to remain in the 'very poor' range. "Meteorological conditions have slightly improved causing dispersion of pollutants but the air quality might deteriorate from Sunday with dense fog engulfing the capital which may degrade the air quality," the SAFAR said. According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the maximum ventilation index was likely around 4000 sqm/second on Saturday. A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second with an average wind speed of less than 10 kmph is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants, it said. The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority Friday said they are seriously considering banning industrial, construction and demolition activities at major pollution hotspots in Delhi-NCR when air quality levels reach 'severe' category. The Central Pollution Control Board-led task force on November 22 recommended to the EPCA that industrial, construction and demolition activities should be banned in major hotspot areas when air quality levels reach 'severe' category. The task force has identified 15 pollution hotspots in Delhi. They are Anand Vihar, Bawana, CRRI Mathura Road, DTU, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Dwarka-Sector 8, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, NSIT Dwarka, Narela, Okhla Phase-2, R K Puram, Rohini, Shadipur, Wazirpur. In NCR areas outside Delhi, six hotspots have been identified. They are Sector-16A in Faridabad, Vikas Sadan in Gurgaon, Vasundhara in Ghaziabad, Knowledge Park-III in Greater Noida, Sector-125 in Noida and RIICO Industrial Area-III in Bhiwadi.

Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor,' authorities warn of spike in pollution

People residing in the national capital were seen wearing anti-pollution dust masks and scarves to protect their mouths and nose from the cocktail of dust and smog which has enveloped the region from the past couple of months.

According to the state-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), no imminent improvement was recorded in the quality of air on Friday. At 8: 30 am the air quality index docked at 353.

The organisation also stated that the air quality is `very poor` and likely to remain `very poor` with small fluctuations. "There is no system building up as surface winds are south-westerly. However, air quality is likely to deteriorate significantly on December 2 as a cloudy condition and decline in temperature is likely to bring down inversion layer to trap pollutants.

The contribution from stubble biomass is nil," it added. Speaking to ANI, Anand Sharma, a resident of Noida, said: "There is a dire need to do something substantial in order to combat the increasing crisis of air pollution. All my family member especially aged are wearing masks and are avoiding outdoor activities because of the toxic air."

Sarita Thakur, a domestic help in Delhi, stated: "My all three children are suffering from respiratory disease Not only that but near their school also garbage is burnt on daily bases which is causing them breathing trouble. I request the government to take necessary action in the matter and save the lives of poor."

In an attempt to measure the impact of toxic air quality on people, the University of Chicago has launched a new tool named Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) which quantifies air quality data as the numbers of years lost to air pollution.

The compiled by the weather experts revealed that exposure to the unclean air of India`s capital will cost its residents 10.2 years of their lives. According to this data, c Residents of Lucknow will lose 9.4 years, 7.7 years for Patna, 9.3 for Mathura, 8.7 for Gurgaon, 5.9 for Ludhiana and 6.1 years for Gwalior. The data is more hopeful for southern cities. Mumbai is at 2.9, Bengaluru at 1.7, and Chennai residents stand at losing 1.9 years.

If one looks closely, besides air pollution menace, the warnings of climate change can`t be ignored anymore.

This year, December- which is suppose to the coldest month of the year- is just around the corner but the winter season is still at bay. The last time when Northern India witnessed a spell of rain was in between November 13 and November 14. Since then, warm and dry weather conditions are prevailing across Delhi`s neighbouring states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and west Uttar Pradesh.

At present, the minimum and maximum temperature in most of the northern parts of India is hovering at 2-degree Celsius and 3-degree Celsius which is above the normal range. Due to such wavering temperature, chilly winters are yet to make an appearance over Delhi and its neighbouring state.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), successive Western Disturbance is approaching towards Western Himalayas but they have failed to induce a cyclonic circulation over North Rajasthan and adjoining areas such as Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, in the absence of these weather systems, rain showers and thundershowers and strong winds have remained absent from the northern part of India.

It is expected that on December 5 and 6, there will be a significant fall in the temperature accompanied by unabated cold northwesterly winds. During these days, people residing in Delhi are likely to witness chilly mornings and light woollens will be required to combat the cold.

People residing in the national capital were seen wearing anti-pollution dust masks and scarves to protect their mouths and nose from the cocktail of dust and smog which has enveloped the region from the past couple of months.

People residing in the national capital were seen wearing anti-pollution dust masks and scarves to protect their mouths and nose from the cocktail of dust and smog which has enveloped the region from the past couple of months. According to the state-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), no imminent improvement was recorded in the quality of air on Friday. At 8: 30 am the air quality index docked at 353. The organisation also stated that the air quality is `very poor` and likely to remain `very poor` with small fluctuations. "There is no system building up as surface winds are south-westerly. However, air quality is likely to deteriorate significantly on December 2 as a cloudy condition and decline in temperature is likely to bring down inversion layer to trap pollutants. The contribution from stubble biomass is nil," it added. Speaking to ANI, Anand Sharma, a resident of Noida, said: "There is a dire need to do something substantial in order to combat the increasing crisis of air pollution. All my family member especially aged are wearing masks and are avoiding outdoor activities because of the toxic air." Sarita Thakur, a domestic help in Delhi, stated: "My all three children are suffering from respiratory disease Not only that but near their school also garbage is burnt on daily bases which is causing them breathing trouble. I request the government to take necessary action in the matter and save the lives of poor." In an attempt to measure the impact of toxic air quality on people, the University of Chicago has launched a new tool named Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) which quantifies air quality data as the numbers of years lost to air pollution. The compiled by the weather experts revealed that exposure to the unclean air of India`s capital will cost its residents 10.2 years of their lives. According to this data, c Residents of Lucknow will lose 9.4 years, 7.7 years for Patna, 9.3 for Mathura, 8.7 for Gurgaon, 5.9 for Ludhiana and 6.1 years for Gwalior. The data is more hopeful for southern cities. Mumbai is at 2.9, Bengaluru at 1.7, and Chennai residents stand at losing 1.9 years. If one looks closely, besides air pollution menace, the warnings of climate change can`t be ignored anymore. This year, December- which is suppose to the coldest month of the year- is just around the corner but the winter season is still at bay. The last time when Northern India witnessed a spell of rain was in between November 13 and November 14. Since then, warm and dry weather conditions are prevailing across Delhi`s neighbouring states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and west Uttar Pradesh. At present, the minimum and maximum temperature in most of the northern parts of India is hovering at 2-degree Celsius and 3-degree Celsius which is above the normal range. Due to such wavering temperature, chilly winters are yet to make an appearance over Delhi and its neighbouring state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), successive Western Disturbance is approaching towards Western Himalayas but they have failed to induce a cyclonic circulation over North Rajasthan and adjoining areas such as Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, in the absence of these weather systems, rain showers and thundershowers and strong winds have remained absent from the northern part of India. It is expected that on December 5 and 6, there will be a significant fall in the temperature accompanied by unabated cold northwesterly winds. During these days, people residing in Delhi are likely to witness chilly mornings and light woollens will be required to combat the cold.

Delhi: Air quality remains 'very poor', chilly winters likely to arrive on December 5

Delhiites woke up to a thick haze hanging over the city as the air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category.

The overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 316, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The CPCB said 22 areas of Delhi recorded 'very poor' air quality while 13 areas recorded 'poor' air quality.

The level of PM2.5 -- particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres -- was recorded at 159 and the PM10 level was recorded at 316, it said.

In NCR, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality while Gurgaon recorded 'poor' air quality, the CPCB data showed.

According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, a haze has engulfed Delhi and the wind speed and ventilation index are "extremely unfavourable" for dispersion of pollutants.

Ventilation index determines how fast pollutants can get dispersed.

The ventilation index of around 6,000 sqm/second gets rid of pollutants, but it came down to 1,500 sqm/second on Tuesday in the city.

The air quality is very poor and as expected, gradual increasing trend is noticed," the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said.&nbsp;

"It is likely to remain very poor with a gradual increasing trend till Wednesday without any major episode and then likely to decline, but (will) continue to remain in very poor (category)," it said.&nbsp;

Delhiites woke up to a thick haze hanging over the city as the air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category. The overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 316, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

Delhiites woke up to a thick haze hanging over the city as the air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category. The overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 316, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The CPCB said 22 areas of Delhi recorded 'very poor' air quality while 13 areas recorded 'poor' air quality. The level of PM2.5 -- particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres -- was recorded at 159 and the PM10 level was recorded at 316, it said. In NCR, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality while Gurgaon recorded 'poor' air quality, the CPCB data showed. According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, a haze has engulfed Delhi and the wind speed and ventilation index are "extremely unfavourable" for dispersion of pollutants. Ventilation index determines how fast pollutants can get dispersed. The ventilation index of around 6,000 sqm/second gets rid of pollutants, but it came down to 1,500 sqm/second on Tuesday in the city. The air quality is very poor and as expected, gradual increasing trend is noticed," the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said. "It is likely to remain very poor with a gradual increasing trend till Wednesday without any major episode and then likely to decline, but (will) continue to remain in very poor (category)," it said.

Thick haze envelopes Delhi, air quality very poor

Following light rainfall in parts of the national capital, air quality of the region has witnessed a significant improvement. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi jumped from to 'poor' category on Friday from 'very poor' on Thursday.

According to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality of Delhi docked at 235 in the morning. The weather in the region will be mostly sunny with daytime temperature reaching 26-degree celsius. Night time temperature is expected to be 14-degree Celsius. Humidity will be around 73 per cent with a wind speed of 10 kilometres per hour, while visibility will be around 1.2 kilometres throughout the day.

Notably, an AQI between the range of 0-50 is considered good, the range between 51 to 100 is marked as satisfactory and 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 comes under the category of poor and 401 -500 severe and beyond 500 is contemplated as hazardous.

At Dhirpur, the AQI was 143 at 8:45 am, while in Mathura Road area it improved to 'Moderate' category at 136. Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 143, 159 and 143 respectively.

The air quality of the capital has improved significantly after the drop in crop residue burning on Thursday. According to SAFAR, the stubble burning fire accounted for only 3 per cent of the pollution, the lowest for this month.

"Air quality improved significantly due to sufficient rainfall earlier night due to washing away effect. Surface wind speed moderately increased but pollution level declined faster than expected as still weather conditions are not completely favourable except sporadic rain. This implies that air is lighter and free path increased to allow faster dispersion. in addition to cleaning by rain, it also tend to suggest that accumulative emission loading is relatively less. Stubble fire is almost negligible. The AQI is likley to remain in poor range tomorrow but slip back to 'very poor 'range thereafter," SAFAR added.

Speaking to ANI, Nitin Kaushik, a fitness enthusiast, said, "The pollution level in Delhi has significantly come down due to the rain. I am happy that now I will be able to walk and cycle in the morning. Earlier, the situation was worse, I was not able to see the nearby building clearly due to smog. More people are now coming out for morning walks and exercise".

However, residents suffering from respiratory diseases have been adviced by SAFAR to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. They have also been asked to take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics must keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients must consult a doctor, in case of palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue.

In an attempt to bring the air quality to a satisfactory level, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday issued an order to all the states to adopt a multi-method approach through in situ and ex-situ management of crop burning residue. It also directed the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre to "disburse funds well in time" so that "states can utilise it properly".

As per the directives issued by the NGT, the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh held a two-hour long meeting with members of the green panel. Representatives from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Central Pollution Control Board and the Union Secretary Agriculture were also present at the meeting.

Following light rainfall in parts of the national capital, air quality of the region has witnessed a significant improvement. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi jumped from to 'poor' category on Friday from 'very poor' on Thursday.

Following light rainfall in parts of the national capital, air quality of the region has witnessed a significant improvement. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi jumped from to 'poor' category on Friday from 'very poor' on Thursday. According to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality of Delhi docked at 235 in the morning. The weather in the region will be mostly sunny with daytime temperature reaching 26-degree celsius. Night time temperature is expected to be 14-degree Celsius. Humidity will be around 73 per cent with a wind speed of 10 kilometres per hour, while visibility will be around 1.2 kilometres throughout the day. Notably, an AQI between the range of 0-50 is considered good, the range between 51 to 100 is marked as satisfactory and 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 comes under the category of poor and 401 -500 severe and beyond 500 is contemplated as hazardous. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 143 at 8:45 am, while in Mathura Road area it improved to 'Moderate' category at 136. Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 143, 159 and 143 respectively. The air quality of the capital has improved significantly after the drop in crop residue burning on Thursday. According to SAFAR, the stubble burning fire accounted for only 3 per cent of the pollution, the lowest for this month. "Air quality improved significantly due to sufficient rainfall earlier night due to washing away effect. Surface wind speed moderately increased but pollution level declined faster than expected as still weather conditions are not completely favourable except sporadic rain. This implies that air is lighter and free path increased to allow faster dispersion. in addition to cleaning by rain, it also tend to suggest that accumulative emission loading is relatively less. Stubble fire is almost negligible. The AQI is likley to remain in poor range tomorrow but slip back to 'very poor 'range thereafter," SAFAR added. Speaking to ANI, Nitin Kaushik, a fitness enthusiast, said, "The pollution level in Delhi has significantly come down due to the rain. I am happy that now I will be able to walk and cycle in the morning. Earlier, the situation was worse, I was not able to see the nearby building clearly due to smog. More people are now coming out for morning walks and exercise". However, residents suffering from respiratory diseases have been adviced by SAFAR to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. They have also been asked to take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics must keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients must consult a doctor, in case of palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue. In an attempt to bring the air quality to a satisfactory level, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday issued an order to all the states to adopt a multi-method approach through in situ and ex-situ management of crop burning residue. It also directed the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre to "disburse funds well in time" so that "states can utilise it properly". As per the directives issued by the NGT, the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh held a two-hour long meeting with members of the green panel. Representatives from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Central Pollution Control Board and the Union Secretary Agriculture were also present at the meeting.

Delhi's air quality eases significantly, but relief temporary

A thick haze engulfed the national capital Wednesday night with the air quality deteriorating to the "very poor" category as Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, the authorities said.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 302 at 11 pm, which fell in the very poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB.

The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals.

The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court.

But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm.

Several areas showed a spike in air pollution. Areas like Anand Vihar, ITO and Jahangirpuri recorded very high pollution levels.

Violations of the Supreme Court order were reported from Mayur Vihar Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Lutyens Delhi, IP extension, Dwarka, Noida Sector 78 among other places.

The police admitted that there were violations, adding that they would take serious legal action against those violating the apex court order.

The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city indicated "poor" and "very poor" air quality as the volume of ultra-fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10, which enter the respiratory system and manage to reach the bloodstream, sharply rose from around 8 pm.

According to the CPCB data, the 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10 were 164 and 294 micrograms per cubic metre respectively.

The SAFAR forecast "bad" air quality Thursday even though partially toxic crackers were burst as compared to 2017. It also said the pollution levels would peak between 11 am and 3 am Wednesday and Thursday.

The situation was similar, if not worse, in the neighbouring areas of Delhi such as Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad, where crackers were burst as usual, raising question marks on the efficacy of the administration in enforcing the apex court's ban.

A "very poor" AQI essentially means that people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on a prolonged exposure to such air. If the air quality dips further, the AQI will turn "severe", which may trouble even those with sound health conditions and seriously affect those with ailments.

As many as 209 calls were received by the Delhi Fire Services on Diwali, including one related to a huge fire in a factory at Bawana, officials said.

Of these, 89 calls were related to fire incidents at garbage and dumpyards, while the rest were related to fire incidents involving electric wires, at factories and residential areas, a senior Delhi Fire Services officer said.&nbsp;

The officials said the number of calls related to firecrackers was comparatively low, but there was no decline in the number of calls related to fire incidents.

The Centre, in collaboration with the Delhi government, has launched a 10-day "Clean Air Campaign" from November 1 to 10 to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action.

About 52 teams deployed under the campaign are visiting different parts of Delhi and the adjacent towns of Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida.

The teams are being led by the sub-divisional magistrates of the respective areas and comprise senior officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), representatives of the CPCB, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

A thick haze engulfed the national capital Wednesday night with the air quality deteriorating to the "very poor" category as Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, the authorities said.

A thick haze engulfed the national capital Wednesday night with the air quality deteriorating to the "very poor" category as Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, the authorities said. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 302 at 11 pm, which fell in the very poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB. The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals. The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court. But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm. Several areas showed a spike in air pollution. Areas like Anand Vihar, ITO and Jahangirpuri recorded very high pollution levels. Violations of the Supreme Court order were reported from Mayur Vihar Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Lutyens Delhi, IP extension, Dwarka, Noida Sector 78 among other places. The police admitted that there were violations, adding that they would take serious legal action against those violating the apex court order. The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city indicated "poor" and "very poor" air quality as the volume of ultra-fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10, which enter the respiratory system and manage to reach the bloodstream, sharply rose from around 8 pm. According to the CPCB data, the 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10 were 164 and 294 micrograms per cubic metre respectively. The SAFAR forecast "bad" air quality Thursday even though partially toxic crackers were burst as compared to 2017. It also said the pollution levels would peak between 11 am and 3 am Wednesday and Thursday. The situation was similar, if not worse, in the neighbouring areas of Delhi such as Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad, where crackers were burst as usual, raising question marks on the efficacy of the administration in enforcing the apex court's ban. A "very poor" AQI essentially means that people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on a prolonged exposure to such air. If the air quality dips further, the AQI will turn "severe", which may trouble even those with sound health conditions and seriously affect those with ailments. As many as 209 calls were received by the Delhi Fire Services on Diwali, including one related to a huge fire in a factory at Bawana, officials said. Of these, 89 calls were related to fire incidents at garbage and dumpyards, while the rest were related to fire incidents involving electric wires, at factories and residential areas, a senior Delhi Fire Services officer said. The officials said the number of calls related to firecrackers was comparatively low, but there was no decline in the number of calls related to fire incidents. The Centre, in collaboration with the Delhi government, has launched a 10-day "Clean Air Campaign" from November 1 to 10 to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action. About 52 teams deployed under the campaign are visiting different parts of Delhi and the adjacent towns of Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida. The teams are being led by the sub-divisional magistrates of the respective areas and comprise senior officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), representatives of the CPCB, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

Thick haze engulfs Delhi as Diwali celebrations continue long after Supreme Court deadline

A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319.

The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category.

The AQI in Satyawati College, ITI Shahdra, Jhilmil Industrial Area, Anand Vihar, Patparganj, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium,&nbsp;RK Puram, Rohini, Dwarka, Okhla were recorded at 999.&nbsp;

The complications of breathing in hazardous air quality may lead to serious health effects.

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Thick layer of smog engulfs Delhi; visuals from near Akshardham Temple. <a href="https://t.co/K02CO18o5r">pic.twitter.com/K02CO18o5r</a>
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The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB.

The particulate matter 2.5 in north campus was recorded at 2000 on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the AQI in several other places of the national Capital region was&nbsp;recorded in the "Very unhealthy" category. The AQI in Gurugram was recorded at 330, Greater Noida 228, Faridabad 448 and 327 in Noida.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>'s Anand Vihar at 999, area around US Embassy, Chanakyapuri at 459 &amp; area around Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 999, all under 'Hazardous' category in Air Quality Index (AQI) <a href="https://t.co/QX7z5UYOl9">pic.twitter.com/QX7z5UYOl9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1060341941366341635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals.

The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court.

But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm.

(With inputs from PTI)

A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319. The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category.

A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319. The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category. The AQI in Satyawati College, ITI Shahdra, Jhilmil Industrial Area, Anand Vihar, Patparganj, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, RK Puram, Rohini, Dwarka, Okhla were recorded at 999. The complications of breathing in hazardous air quality may lead to serious health effects. Thick layer of smog engulfs Delhi; visuals from near Akshardham Temple. pic.twitter.com/K02CO18o5r — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB. The particulate matter 2.5 in north campus was recorded at 2000 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the AQI in several other places of the national Capital region was recorded in the "Very unhealthy" category. The AQI in Gurugram was recorded at 330, Greater Noida 228, Faridabad 448 and 327 in Noida. #Delhi's Anand Vihar at 999, area around US Embassy, Chanakyapuri at 459 & area around Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 999, all under 'Hazardous' category in Air Quality Index (AQI) pic.twitter.com/QX7z5UYOl9 — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals. The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court. But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi chokes after Diwali as several places record AQI at 999

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