Pollution Levels rise in New Delhi

Delhi's air quality Wednesday oscillated between "poor" and "very poor" categories as authorities warned of severe deterioration of air quality even if "partial toxic crackers" are burned compared to last year.

The overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 281, which falls in the "poor" category, according the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) recorded the overall air quality index at 319, which falls in "very poor" category. 
Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Noida and Greater Noida recorded "poor" quality air, according to the CPCB.

Eleven areas of Delhi recorded "very poor" air quality while 24 areas recorded "poor" air quality, according to the 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 PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 143 while the PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) was recorded at 281 in Delhi, according to the CPCB data.

The SAFAR has predicted worse quality air for Wednesday evening and Thursday.

"The highest levels of PM10 and PM2.5 are expected between 11AM to 3AM on Wednesday and Thursday. Air Quality will be bad on Thursday and start to improve from Friday even if partial toxic crackers as compared to 2017 is burned," the government-run agency warned.

According to the SAFAR, both stubble burning in surrounding states of Delhi and firecrackers are causing deterioration of air quality in the national capital.

"The fire counts are seen to be very high but it is a combination of stubble burning and widespread firecrackers in that region and need not be confused with stubble only fire," the SAFAR said in a report Wednesday.

It also said that the combination of several rapidly changing weather parameters is playing a key role in controlling the air pollution at this time.

Delhi's air quality is expected to deteriorate to "severe plus emergency" category after Diwali, SAFAR said.

"Even if 50 per cent of the total load of toxic firecrackers as compared to Diwali 2017 is added, the prevailing weather conditions will aggravate the high smoke level and make air quality to persist in severe range for at least two days on November 8 and November 9," it said in a report.

SAFAR has also predicted that the PM10 concentration of Delhi is expected to reach 575 and PM2.5 to 378 on Thursday, recording the worst air quality of the year if fire crackers are burnt, it said.

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology said the winds coming from north-westerly direction is bringing the influence of biomass burning to Delhi-NCR which may continue up to Thursday morning.

"The increase in PM2.5 concentration is due to change in wind direction, decrease in wind speeds and contribution from biomass burning," the IITM said.

Delhi's air quality Wednesday oscillated between "poor" and "very poor" categories as authorities warned of severe deterioration of air quality even if "partial toxic crackers" are burned compared to last year.

Delhi's air quality Wednesday oscillated between "poor" and "very poor" categories as authorities warned of severe deterioration of air quality even if "partial toxic crackers" are burned compared to last year. The overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 281, which falls in the "poor" category, according the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) recorded the overall air quality index at 319, which falls in "very poor" category. Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Noida and Greater Noida recorded "poor" quality air, according to the CPCB. Eleven areas of Delhi recorded "very poor" air quality while 24 areas recorded "poor" air quality, according to the 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 PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 143 while the PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) was recorded at 281 in Delhi, according to the CPCB data. The SAFAR has predicted worse quality air for Wednesday evening and Thursday. "The highest levels of PM10 and PM2.5 are expected between 11AM to 3AM on Wednesday and Thursday. Air Quality will be bad on Thursday and start to improve from Friday even if partial toxic crackers as compared to 2017 is burned," the government-run agency warned. According to the SAFAR, both stubble burning in surrounding states of Delhi and firecrackers are causing deterioration of air quality in the national capital. "The fire counts are seen to be very high but it is a combination of stubble burning and widespread firecrackers in that region and need not be confused with stubble only fire," the SAFAR said in a report Wednesday. It also said that the combination of several rapidly changing weather parameters is playing a key role in controlling the air pollution at this time. Delhi's air quality is expected to deteriorate to "severe plus emergency" category after Diwali, SAFAR said. "Even if 50 per cent of the total load of toxic firecrackers as compared to Diwali 2017 is added, the prevailing weather conditions will aggravate the high smoke level and make air quality to persist in severe range for at least two days on November 8 and November 9," it said in a report. SAFAR has also predicted that the PM10 concentration of Delhi is expected to reach 575 and PM2.5 to 378 on Thursday, recording the worst air quality of the year if fire crackers are burnt, it said. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology said the winds coming from north-westerly direction is bringing the influence of biomass burning to Delhi-NCR which may continue up to Thursday morning. "The increase in PM2.5 concentration is due to change in wind direction, decrease in wind speeds and contribution from biomass burning," the IITM said.

Delhi's air quality oscillating between 'poor' and 'very poor': Authorities

Petrol and diesel prices in New Delhi witnessed a fall of 14 paise and 9 paise respectively on Tuesday as compared to Monday.

Petrol is now being sold at Rs 78.42 per litre, while diesel is being retailed at Rs 73.07 per litre in the national capital.

In Mumbai, the prices of petrol and diesel are Rs 83.92 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.14) and Rs 76.57 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.10), respectively.

In Chennai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 81.46 per litre and Rs 77.24 per litre respectively. While in Kolkata, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 80.33 per litre and Rs 74.93 per litre respectively.&nbsp;

Oil prices fell on Monday as the start to US&nbsp;sanctions against Iran`s fuel exports was softened by waivers that will allow some countries to still import Iranian crude, at least temporarily.

Fuel prices had earlier witnessed a relentless hike in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket.

In this regard, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had on October 4 announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre and urged respective state governments to slash the same amount at their end.

Petrol and diesel prices in New Delhi witnessed a fall of 14 paise and 9 paise respectively on Tuesday as compared to Monday. Petrol is now being sold at Rs 78.42 per litre, while diesel is being retailed at Rs 73.

Petrol and diesel prices in New Delhi witnessed a fall of 14 paise and 9 paise respectively on Tuesday as compared to Monday. Petrol is now being sold at Rs 78.42 per litre, while diesel is being retailed at Rs 73.07 per litre in the national capital. In Mumbai, the prices of petrol and diesel are Rs 83.92 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.14) and Rs 76.57 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.10), respectively. In Chennai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 81.46 per litre and Rs 77.24 per litre respectively. While in Kolkata, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 80.33 per litre and Rs 74.93 per litre respectively. Oil prices fell on Monday as the start to US sanctions against Iran`s fuel exports was softened by waivers that will allow some countries to still import Iranian crude, at least temporarily. Fuel prices had earlier witnessed a relentless hike in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket. In this regard, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had on October 4 announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre and urged respective state governments to slash the same amount at their end.

Fuel pries down again, petrol at Rs 78.42 per litre in Delhi, diesel at Rs 73.07 per litre

Yogesh Kumar wheezes after life-saving surgery to remove a diseased lung, but his doctors wonder how long he can last outside hospital breathing some of the world's dirtiest air.

Smog is blamed for the deaths of more than one million Indians every year and Delhi -- which on Monday had emergency pollution levels more than 35 times the World Health Organisation safe limit -- has the worst air of any global capital.

Every November, hospital wards fill with gasping patients as the tell-tale thick grey haze which hit on Monday shrouds the city of 20 million.&nbsp;

"Delhi air is like a death sentence for him," said Srinivas K. Gopinath, a thoracic surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram hospital in the Indian capital where 29-year-old Kumar was treated.

Gopinath fears for his patient, who survived tuberculosis but is now at the mercy of another invisible killer.

As cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, Delhi's levels of PM2.5 -- particles so tiny they can enter the lungs and bloodstream -- soar dangerously.

One of the worst times is around the Hindu festival of Diwali as smoke from millions of crackers set off by festive revellers mingles with car exhaust, factory emissions, construction dust and smoke from crop fires in nearby states.

Pollution readings can reach so high they do not register on scientific instruments.

In the Anand Vihar suburb, the PM2.5 level rocketed to 908 on Monday. The WHO sets 25 as its recommended average safe level.&nbsp;

Kumar is due to be discharged from hospital around the time of the festival on Wednesday.

"Inside (the hospital) the air quality is maintained, but once he steps out the bad air will start affecting him," Gopinath told AFP.

"His resistance is weak. He has only one lung which is now really precious. Imagine having to cope up with such bad air with only one lung."

'Black lungs'

But Kumar is far from alone.

Children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments like asthma suffer the most from Delhi's smog, which lingers until late February.

Exposure to toxic air kills hundreds of thousands of children every year, the WHO said in an October report.

Children breathe more rapidly than adults, taking twice as much polluted air into their tiny bodies.

It has devastating effects on children in Delhi, say doctors.

"A child who is born in Delhi is taking in gulps of bad air which is equivalent to smoking 20 to 25 cigarettes on the first day of his life," said Arvind Kumar, a prominent Delhi lung surgeon.

For years the surgeon has tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness about the dangers of air pollution, which the WHO last month likened to the tobacco epidemic.

On hospital grounds this weekend Arvind Kumar ordered the installation of giant, artificial lungs fitted with filters to demonstrate the damaging effects of smog.

Many of the patients he sees already bear physical scars from breathing a lifetime of Delhi air.

"These are non-smokers, but even they have black lungs," he told AFP.

"Even teenagers have black spots on their lungs. This is frightening."

Despite Delhi's smog reappearing every winter, official efforts to combat it have been ineffectual.

Emergency measures such as banning construction, cutting down traffic and prohibiting the use of diesel generators have had little effect.

More long-term solutions remain elusive. State governments have refused to cooperate on root causes of the crisis, such as farmers using fire to clear their land on the outskirts of Delhi.

Surgeon Kumar said pollution needed to be tackled at its source.

"Everything else is just eyewash," he said.

Yogesh Kumar wheezes after life-saving surgery to remove a diseased lung, but his doctors wonder how long he can last outside hospital breathing some of the world's dirtiest air.

Yogesh Kumar wheezes after life-saving surgery to remove a diseased lung, but his doctors wonder how long he can last outside hospital breathing some of the world's dirtiest air. Smog is blamed for the deaths of more than one million Indians every year and Delhi -- which on Monday had emergency pollution levels more than 35 times the World Health Organisation safe limit -- has the worst air of any global capital. Every November, hospital wards fill with gasping patients as the tell-tale thick grey haze which hit on Monday shrouds the city of 20 million. "Delhi air is like a death sentence for him," said Srinivas K. Gopinath, a thoracic surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram hospital in the Indian capital where 29-year-old Kumar was treated. Gopinath fears for his patient, who survived tuberculosis but is now at the mercy of another invisible killer. As cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, Delhi's levels of PM2.5 -- particles so tiny they can enter the lungs and bloodstream -- soar dangerously. One of the worst times is around the Hindu festival of Diwali as smoke from millions of crackers set off by festive revellers mingles with car exhaust, factory emissions, construction dust and smoke from crop fires in nearby states. Pollution readings can reach so high they do not register on scientific instruments. In the Anand Vihar suburb, the PM2.5 level rocketed to 908 on Monday. The WHO sets 25 as its recommended average safe level. Kumar is due to be discharged from hospital around the time of the festival on Wednesday. "Inside (the hospital) the air quality is maintained, but once he steps out the bad air will start affecting him," Gopinath told AFP. "His resistance is weak. He has only one lung which is now really precious. Imagine having to cope up with such bad air with only one lung." 'Black lungs' But Kumar is far from alone. Children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments like asthma suffer the most from Delhi's smog, which lingers until late February. Exposure to toxic air kills hundreds of thousands of children every year, the WHO said in an October report. Children breathe more rapidly than adults, taking twice as much polluted air into their tiny bodies. It has devastating effects on children in Delhi, say doctors. "A child who is born in Delhi is taking in gulps of bad air which is equivalent to smoking 20 to 25 cigarettes on the first day of his life," said Arvind Kumar, a prominent Delhi lung surgeon. For years the surgeon has tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness about the dangers of air pollution, which the WHO last month likened to the tobacco epidemic. On hospital grounds this weekend Arvind Kumar ordered the installation of giant, artificial lungs fitted with filters to demonstrate the damaging effects of smog. Many of the patients he sees already bear physical scars from breathing a lifetime of Delhi air. "These are non-smokers, but even they have black lungs," he told AFP. "Even teenagers have black spots on their lungs. This is frightening." Despite Delhi's smog reappearing every winter, official efforts to combat it have been ineffectual. Emergency measures such as banning construction, cutting down traffic and prohibiting the use of diesel generators have had little effect. More long-term solutions remain elusive. State governments have refused to cooperate on root causes of the crisis, such as farmers using fire to clear their land on the outskirts of Delhi. Surgeon Kumar said pollution needed to be tackled at its source. "Everything else is just eyewash," he said.

Polluted Delhi air akin to 'death sentence', say doctors

Delhi pollution crosses hazardous levels

The Signature Bridge in Delhi over the Yamuna was inaugurated amid a surcharged atmosphere on Sunday with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attacking BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the country needs bridges, schools and hospitals not temples and statues for progress.

High drama prevailed before the inauguration of the bridge with Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari and scores of supporters staging a protest for allegedly not being invited to the inaugural event of the newly-built city landmark. They also had a "scuffle" with some AAP workers.

"Four days ago the 182 metre tallest statue of the world was unveiled and today this 154 metre high bridge is being inaugurated. The country has to decide if it needs statues and temples or bridges, schools and hospitals," Kejriwal said inaugurating the bridge.&nbsp;

He said the thought of Signature bridge reminded him of the first Prime Minister of the country Jawahar Lal Nehru.&nbsp;

"If Nehru had chosen to build temples and statues instead of institutions like BHEL and SAIL, then the country would not have progressed. The country would languish in 15th century if temples and mosques are given preferences over science, technology and research," Kejriwal said.

He alleged that in order to stop his government from completing the bridge, the officials and engineers were issued threats of CBI raids against them.

"The Signature bridge has been completed only because there is an honest government in Delhi," Kejriwal asserted.&nbsp;

Deputy CM Manish Sisodia also alleged that "obstacles" were raised by the Modi government so that the Signature bridge was not completed in the rule of AAP government in Delhi.&nbsp;

"If Modi government had contributed one inch to this bridge, I would myself chant Modi-Modi like those who are showing black flags," he said referring to BJP supporters who were camped nearby along with Manoj Tiwari.&nbsp;

In a direct attack on Tiwari, Sisodia said if he was "so fond of" going to inaugurals then he should work constructively.&nbsp;

"It is Modi government's rule that the CM of elected government in Delhi will not be invited to any inaugural function. We deliberately did not invite (Tiwari)," Sisodia said claiming no one from Delhi government was invited at inauguration of Skywalk at ITO.

Earlier Sunday, Tiwari and his supporters allegedly entered into a scuffle with AAP members and staged a protest for not being invited to inaugural event. 
Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia were not present when the protest took place.

BJP, however, said that AAP leader Amantullah Khan used abusive language and pushed Tiwari.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Yadav, joint commissioner of police, eastern range, said the main function was held smoothly without any disturbance.&nbsp;

"Our staff on duty at the place of function performed their task with utmost restraint and diligence. Though there was slogan shouting but police segregated the groups and did not allow any clash or violence to take place," he said.

"The situation was handled very professionally by Delhi Police and not allowed to take an ugly turn," Yadav added.

Tiwari is MP from North East Delhi and the bridge comes in his constituency.&nbsp;

The Signature Bridge in Delhi over the Yamuna was inaugurated amid a surcharged atmosphere on Sunday with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attacking BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the country needs bridges, schools and hospitals not temples and statues for progress.

The Signature Bridge in Delhi over the Yamuna was inaugurated amid a surcharged atmosphere on Sunday with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attacking BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the country needs bridges, schools and hospitals not temples and statues for progress. High drama prevailed before the inauguration of the bridge with Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari and scores of supporters staging a protest for allegedly not being invited to the inaugural event of the newly-built city landmark. They also had a "scuffle" with some AAP workers. "Four days ago the 182 metre tallest statue of the world was unveiled and today this 154 metre high bridge is being inaugurated. The country has to decide if it needs statues and temples or bridges, schools and hospitals," Kejriwal said inaugurating the bridge. He said the thought of Signature bridge reminded him of the first Prime Minister of the country Jawahar Lal Nehru. "If Nehru had chosen to build temples and statues instead of institutions like BHEL and SAIL, then the country would not have progressed. The country would languish in 15th century if temples and mosques are given preferences over science, technology and research," Kejriwal said. He alleged that in order to stop his government from completing the bridge, the officials and engineers were issued threats of CBI raids against them. "The Signature bridge has been completed only because there is an honest government in Delhi," Kejriwal asserted. Deputy CM Manish Sisodia also alleged that "obstacles" were raised by the Modi government so that the Signature bridge was not completed in the rule of AAP government in Delhi. "If Modi government had contributed one inch to this bridge, I would myself chant Modi-Modi like those who are showing black flags," he said referring to BJP supporters who were camped nearby along with Manoj Tiwari. In a direct attack on Tiwari, Sisodia said if he was "so fond of" going to inaugurals then he should work constructively. "It is Modi government's rule that the CM of elected government in Delhi will not be invited to any inaugural function. We deliberately did not invite (Tiwari)," Sisodia said claiming no one from Delhi government was invited at inauguration of Skywalk at ITO. Earlier Sunday, Tiwari and his supporters allegedly entered into a scuffle with AAP members and staged a protest for not being invited to inaugural event. Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia were not present when the protest took place. BJP, however, said that AAP leader Amantullah Khan used abusive language and pushed Tiwari. Meanwhile, Ravindra Yadav, joint commissioner of police, eastern range, said the main function was held smoothly without any disturbance. "Our staff on duty at the place of function performed their task with utmost restraint and diligence. Though there was slogan shouting but police segregated the groups and did not allow any clash or violence to take place," he said. "The situation was handled very professionally by Delhi Police and not allowed to take an ugly turn," Yadav added. Tiwari is MP from North East Delhi and the bridge comes in his constituency.

Delhi's much-awaited Signature Bridge inaugurated amid ruckus

Delhi air quality turns 'severe'

Air quality worsens in Delhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Congress has termed the move against Verma "illegal and unconstitutional".&nbsp;

Top Congress leaders took part in the march that culminated in a demonstration outside the CBI headquarters. Leaders of other parties also joined the protest as a mark of solidarity.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress workers stage protest against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>. <a href="https://t.co/BRk8Vvwvgv">pic.twitter.com/BRk8Vvwvgv</a>
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Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leader D Raja and TMC's Nadimul Haque joined the Congress protest that started from outside Dayal Singh College on Lodhi Road.&nbsp;

Gandhi got on to a truck in front of the police barricades put up outside the CBI headquarters to prevent the protesters from reaching the building.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot lead the protest march to CBI HQ against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma. <a href="https://t.co/7FNkhoWQCb">pic.twitter.com/7FNkhoWQCb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1055716852268257281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress has termed the move against Verma "illegal and unconstitutional". Top Congress leaders took part in the march that culminated in a demonstration outside the CBI headquarters. Leaders of other parties also joined the protest as a mark of solidarity. #WATCH: Congress workers stage protest against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma in #Delhi. pic.twitter.com/BRk8Vvwvgv — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 × Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leader D Raja and TMC's Nadimul Haque joined the Congress protest that started from outside Dayal Singh College on Lodhi Road. Gandhi got on to a truck in front of the police barricades put up outside the CBI headquarters to prevent the protesters from reaching the building. #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot lead the protest march to CBI HQ against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma. pic.twitter.com/7FNkhoWQCb — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 ×

Watch: Rahul leads protest march to CBI headquarters

Delhi Air inches towards severe category

Delhi: Air quality slips to 'very poor', worse days ahead

Air quality in Delhi deteriorates

The Income Tax Department (ITD) Wednesday conducted searches on multiple premises linked to Delhi Transport Kailash Gahlot in connection with a tax evasion case, officials said.

They said at least 16 locations in the national capital and adjoining Gurgaon are being raided by a team of over 60 ITD sleuths and police officials.

The search teams are raiding locations in Delhi's upscale residential areas like Vasant Kunj and Defence Colony, offices and residences in Paschim Vihar, Najafgarh, Laxmi Nagar and Palam Vihar area in Gurgaon, the officials said.

The searches are being conducted as part of a tax evasion probe against two firms -- Brisk Infrastructure and Developers Pvt Ltd and Corporate International Financial Services Limited -- that are operated and owned by the family members of Gahlot, they said.&nbsp;

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Income Tax Department raids 16 locations of Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot in Delhi and Gurugram. Search underway at Brisk Infrastructure and Developers Ltd&amp;Corporate International Financial Services Ltd, at present: Income Tax Sources <a href="https://t.co/G6sKYuwvSj">pic.twitter.com/G6sKYuwvSj</a>
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The officials said multiple transactions and alleged under-reporting of profits has led the department to launch a tax evasion probe against the promoters of the two firms and their operations, they said.

While the former company is engaged in the real estate sector, the latter is said to be a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).

Gahlot is the minister for transport, law and revenue and is an Aam Admi Party (AAP) MLA from the Najafgarh Assembly Constituency.&nbsp;

The Income Tax Department (ITD) Wednesday conducted searches on multiple premises linked to Delhi Transport Kailash Gahlot in connection with a tax evasion case, officials said.

The Income Tax Department (ITD) Wednesday conducted searches on multiple premises linked to Delhi Transport Kailash Gahlot in connection with a tax evasion case, officials said. They said at least 16 locations in the national capital and adjoining Gurgaon are being raided by a team of over 60 ITD sleuths and police officials. The search teams are raiding locations in Delhi's upscale residential areas like Vasant Kunj and Defence Colony, offices and residences in Paschim Vihar, Najafgarh, Laxmi Nagar and Palam Vihar area in Gurgaon, the officials said. The searches are being conducted as part of a tax evasion probe against two firms -- Brisk Infrastructure and Developers Pvt Ltd and Corporate International Financial Services Limited -- that are operated and owned by the family members of Gahlot, they said. Income Tax Department raids 16 locations of Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot in Delhi and Gurugram. Search underway at Brisk Infrastructure and Developers Ltd&Corporate International Financial Services Ltd, at present: Income Tax Sources pic.twitter.com/G6sKYuwvSj — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × The officials said multiple transactions and alleged under-reporting of profits has led the department to launch a tax evasion probe against the promoters of the two firms and their operations, they said. While the former company is engaged in the real estate sector, the latter is said to be a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). Gahlot is the minister for transport, law and revenue and is an Aam Admi Party (AAP) MLA from the Najafgarh Assembly Constituency.

IT Dept raids premises, businesses linked to Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot

Why preventing child abuse in schools needs change in approach

The Supreme Court said Wednesday it was an "unfortunate situation" that Delhi Police was not taking action against those who have tampered with seals put on the premises having illegal constructions and observed that people were taking law in their hands due to this.

A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur said this after the court was informed by engineers of municipal corporations in Delhi that police has not taken action in some cases where seal put on the buildings were removed by private persons.

"This is a rather unfortunate situation where the police did not take action due to which some persons take the law into their hands," said the bench, which also comprised Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta.

The counsel appearing for engineers of the civic bodies told the bench that there were cases where they seal some building but the private persons de-seal it.

When he said that they have lodged complaints with the police in this regard, the bench asked, "Why the police have not taken any action?".

The lawyer said that in some cases, police has taken action while in some other matters, no action has been taken.

The bench asked the counsel to give a list of cases within a week where police have not taken any action despite complaints being lodged in the matter.

During the hearing, the bench also dealt with the matter related to contempt notice issued to Delhi BJP chief and Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari for allegedly breaking the seal of premises in Gokalpuri area here which was being run in violation of the Delhi Master Plan.

The bench told senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the MP, that Tiwari has filed his reply to the contempt notice but its copy has not been given to the amicus curiae who is assisting the court in the Delhi sealing matter.

The court asked Tiwari, who was present in the court, to supply the copy of his reply to the amicus and posted the matter for hearing after 10 days.

It directed Tiwari to remain present in the court on the next date of hearing.

In his reply, Tiwari has said that he had broken the seal of a premise here as a "symbolic protest" against the illegal activities of officials of the East Delhi Municipal

Corporation (EDMC) and was willing to accept the role of 'sealing officer' as suggested by the apex court.

During the hearing, the bench also dealt with the issue relating to the encroachment of forest land and water bodies here which was raised by the court-appointed monitoring committee in its report.

The counsel appearing for Delhi government said that they would file an affidavit within two weeks in this regard.

The lawyer said that water bodies in Delhi have to be retained and encroachment on forest land would be cleared.

The Ministry of Water Resources also filed an affidavit in the apex court in the issue of depletion of ground water in Delhi.

The court said these issues would be taken up for consideration after two weeks.

On September 25, Tiwari had appeared before the court in pursuance to the contempt notice issued to him for allegedly breaking the seal of premises.

The court had directed him to file an affidavit within a week explaining why contempt proceedings not be initiated against him.

An FIR was lodged against him by the East Delhi Municipal Corporation for allegedly breaking the seal of the premises.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court said Wednesday it was an "unfortunate situation" that Delhi Police was not taking action against those who have tampered with seals put on the premises having illegal constructions and observed that people were taking law in their hands due to this.

The Supreme Court said Wednesday it was an "unfortunate situation" that Delhi Police was not taking action against those who have tampered with seals put on the premises having illegal constructions and observed that people were taking law in their hands due to this. A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur said this after the court was informed by engineers of municipal corporations in Delhi that police has not taken action in some cases where seal put on the buildings were removed by private persons. "This is a rather unfortunate situation where the police did not take action due to which some persons take the law into their hands," said the bench, which also comprised Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta. The counsel appearing for engineers of the civic bodies told the bench that there were cases where they seal some building but the private persons de-seal it. When he said that they have lodged complaints with the police in this regard, the bench asked, "Why the police have not taken any action?". The lawyer said that in some cases, police has taken action while in some other matters, no action has been taken. The bench asked the counsel to give a list of cases within a week where police have not taken any action despite complaints being lodged in the matter. During the hearing, the bench also dealt with the matter related to contempt notice issued to Delhi BJP chief and Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari for allegedly breaking the seal of premises in Gokalpuri area here which was being run in violation of the Delhi Master Plan. The bench told senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the MP, that Tiwari has filed his reply to the contempt notice but its copy has not been given to the amicus curiae who is assisting the court in the Delhi sealing matter. The court asked Tiwari, who was present in the court, to supply the copy of his reply to the amicus and posted the matter for hearing after 10 days. It directed Tiwari to remain present in the court on the next date of hearing. In his reply, Tiwari has said that he had broken the seal of a premise here as a "symbolic protest" against the illegal activities of officials of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and was willing to accept the role of 'sealing officer' as suggested by the apex court. During the hearing, the bench also dealt with the issue relating to the encroachment of forest land and water bodies here which was raised by the court-appointed monitoring committee in its report. The counsel appearing for Delhi government said that they would file an affidavit within two weeks in this regard. The lawyer said that water bodies in Delhi have to be retained and encroachment on forest land would be cleared. The Ministry of Water Resources also filed an affidavit in the apex court in the issue of depletion of ground water in Delhi. The court said these issues would be taken up for consideration after two weeks. On September 25, Tiwari had appeared before the court in pursuance to the contempt notice issued to him for allegedly breaking the seal of premises. The court had directed him to file an affidavit within a week explaining why contempt proceedings not be initiated against him. An FIR was lodged against him by the East Delhi Municipal Corporation for allegedly breaking the seal of the premises.

Unfortunate that police not taking action despite complaints: SC on Delhi sealing

Seven policemen, including an assistant commissioner of police, were injured as protesting farmers turned violent while trying to enter the city from Uttar Pradesh in defiance of prohibitory orders, Delhi Police claimed on Tuesday.

As it drew flak for what the opposition parties termed as "brutal" action against the protesters, the city police said it used only "minimum required force" to control the situation.

Police said a section of protesters, who were participating in the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) march, suddenly turned violent as the cops tried to persuade them not to break the barricades.

Police said they used 20 tear gas shells and water cannons to manage the crowd, adding it was "minimum required force". As many as 3,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure that the farmers were not able to enter Delhi.

Since morning, the farmers gathered at Ghazipur border between Delhi and Ghaziabad in several thousands.

Senior officers including Special Commissioners of Police (Law and&nbsp;Order), joint commissioners of ranges and district deputy commissioners of police were personally supervising the arrangements, and maintained constant liaison with their UP counterparts, the Delhi Police said.

Announcements were regularly made on public address system about promulgation of prohibitory orders and requests were specifically made not to attempt entry into Delhi forcibly on tractor-trolleys since there was no permission for the same, they said.

"The protesters were also assured through their leaders that their demands are being projected at appropriate levels, and their movement will be duly facilitated in an orderly fashion without tractor- trolleys," the police said, adding it had specially deployed buses for ferrying the farmers to the city.

Talks were also going on in this regard with the leaders of various factions of the protesters, they said.

Despite requests that the protesters wait for the outcome of the talks between their leaders and the government, a section of the crowd suddenly turned violent and tried to break the barricades with tractor-trolleys and were also carrying lathis, they added.

"Tractor-trolleys were used with violent force by this aggressive section to break down three layers of strong barricading.&nbsp;Some protestors also resorted to stone pelting and wielded lathis causing injuries to police personnel deployed on duty," the police alleged.

"Under these circumstances, only the minimum required force was used to contain these aggressive and violent protestors.

"However, after using water cannon and tear gas shells on a limited scale, the situation was brought under control, and thereafter use of any force was discontinued forthwith, resorting again to persuasive tactics," they added.

Seven police personnel, including an assistant commissioner of police, were injured during this process. The ACP suffered a shoulder dislocation after he was roughed up by some of the protesters, the police said.

No other serious injury was reported to Delhi Police, they said.

The situation was brought under control and was closely monitored thereafter so as to facilitate talks between leaders of the farmers union and the government.

The city police had on Monday imposed prohibitory orders in east and northeast Delhi, anticipating law and order problems as thousands of BKU headed for Delhi.

The main demands of the agitating farmers include implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission report, removing ban on the use of tractors which are more than 10 years old, clearing out pending payments of sugarcane purchase, increased price of sugar supplied and minimum support prices.&nbsp;

Seven policemen, including an assistant commissioner of police, were injured as protesting farmers turned violent while trying to enter the city from Uttar Pradesh in defiance of prohibitory orders, Delhi Police claimed on Tuesday.

Seven policemen, including an assistant commissioner of police, were injured as protesting farmers turned violent while trying to enter the city from Uttar Pradesh in defiance of prohibitory orders, Delhi Police claimed on Tuesday. As it drew flak for what the opposition parties termed as "brutal" action against the protesters, the city police said it used only "minimum required force" to control the situation. Police said a section of protesters, who were participating in the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) march, suddenly turned violent as the cops tried to persuade them not to break the barricades. Police said they used 20 tear gas shells and water cannons to manage the crowd, adding it was "minimum required force". As many as 3,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure that the farmers were not able to enter Delhi. Since morning, the farmers gathered at Ghazipur border between Delhi and Ghaziabad in several thousands. Senior officers including Special Commissioners of Police (Law and Order), joint commissioners of ranges and district deputy commissioners of police were personally supervising the arrangements, and maintained constant liaison with their UP counterparts, the Delhi Police said. Announcements were regularly made on public address system about promulgation of prohibitory orders and requests were specifically made not to attempt entry into Delhi forcibly on tractor-trolleys since there was no permission for the same, they said. "The protesters were also assured through their leaders that their demands are being projected at appropriate levels, and their movement will be duly facilitated in an orderly fashion without tractor- trolleys," the police said, adding it had specially deployed buses for ferrying the farmers to the city. Talks were also going on in this regard with the leaders of various factions of the protesters, they said. Despite requests that the protesters wait for the outcome of the talks between their leaders and the government, a section of the crowd suddenly turned violent and tried to break the barricades with tractor-trolleys and were also carrying lathis, they added. "Tractor-trolleys were used with violent force by this aggressive section to break down three layers of strong barricading. Some protestors also resorted to stone pelting and wielded lathis causing injuries to police personnel deployed on duty," the police alleged. "Under these circumstances, only the minimum required force was used to contain these aggressive and violent protestors. "However, after using water cannon and tear gas shells on a limited scale, the situation was brought under control, and thereafter use of any force was discontinued forthwith, resorting again to persuasive tactics," they added. Seven police personnel, including an assistant commissioner of police, were injured during this process. The ACP suffered a shoulder dislocation after he was roughed up by some of the protesters, the police said. No other serious injury was reported to Delhi Police, they said. The situation was brought under control and was closely monitored thereafter so as to facilitate talks between leaders of the farmers union and the government. The city police had on Monday imposed prohibitory orders in east and northeast Delhi, anticipating law and order problems as thousands of BKU headed for Delhi. The main demands of the agitating farmers include implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission report, removing ban on the use of tractors which are more than 10 years old, clearing out pending payments of sugarcane purchase, increased price of sugar supplied and minimum support prices.

ACP among 7 cops injured during farmers' protest, Police claim they used 'minimum force' 

The Waste-to-Energy Plants at Okhla, Ghazipur and Bawana in the national capital are not complying with emission standards and are causing air pollution, a committee has informed the National Green Tribunal.

A joint inspection committee of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) told a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel that the three plants are non-compliant with respect to the standards of the particulate matter emitted by them.&nbsp;

Taking note of the report, the green panel said if the project proponents fail to maintain the standards, even after rectifying the deficiencies noticed in the joint inspection report, the Central Pollution Control Board may recommend imposition of fine for the environmental damage caused by them.&nbsp;

The NGT also directed the CPCB to send a copy of its report to the project proponents of Okhla, Ghazipur and Bawana Waste-to-Energy Plant for compliance and conduct another inspection within a month in view of the fact that the earlier inspection was carried out in February.&nbsp;

"We do not find any ground to accept the prayer for relieving the Central Pollution Control Board of its requirement in monthly monitoring. If there is a manpower constraint, it is for the CPCB to make any other appropriate arrangement for discharging its functions. This cannot be a ground to avoid responsibility under the binding directions of this tribunal," the bench said.

The tribunal had earlier directed the Delhi government and the civic bodies to submit an action plan for identifying alternative landfill sites and setting up waste-to-energy plants in the city.

It had said it was unfortunate that at a time when the national capital was grappling with the huge quantum of waste to the tune of 14,000 metric tonnes on a daily basis, the authorities were involved in a "blame game" and showing an irresponsible attitude.

With the rapid development and massive urbanisation of the metropolis, the waste generation was increasing on a daily basis which has resulted in the saturation of the existing landfill sites which can handle only up to 7,000 metric tonnes of waste, the tribunal had said.

The Waste-to-Energy Plants at Okhla, Ghazipur and Bawana in the national capital are not complying with emission standards and are causing air pollution, a committee has informed the National Green Tribunal.

The Waste-to-Energy Plants at Okhla, Ghazipur and Bawana in the national capital are not complying with emission standards and are causing air pollution, a committee has informed the National Green Tribunal. A joint inspection committee of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) told a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel that the three plants are non-compliant with respect to the standards of the particulate matter emitted by them. Taking note of the report, the green panel said if the project proponents fail to maintain the standards, even after rectifying the deficiencies noticed in the joint inspection report, the Central Pollution Control Board may recommend imposition of fine for the environmental damage caused by them. The NGT also directed the CPCB to send a copy of its report to the project proponents of Okhla, Ghazipur and Bawana Waste-to-Energy Plant for compliance and conduct another inspection within a month in view of the fact that the earlier inspection was carried out in February. "We do not find any ground to accept the prayer for relieving the Central Pollution Control Board of its requirement in monthly monitoring. If there is a manpower constraint, it is for the CPCB to make any other appropriate arrangement for discharging its functions. This cannot be a ground to avoid responsibility under the binding directions of this tribunal," the bench said. The tribunal had earlier directed the Delhi government and the civic bodies to submit an action plan for identifying alternative landfill sites and setting up waste-to-energy plants in the city. It had said it was unfortunate that at a time when the national capital was grappling with the huge quantum of waste to the tune of 14,000 metric tonnes on a daily basis, the authorities were involved in a "blame game" and showing an irresponsible attitude. With the rapid development and massive urbanisation of the metropolis, the waste generation was increasing on a daily basis which has resulted in the saturation of the existing landfill sites which can handle only up to 7,000 metric tonnes of waste, the tribunal had said.

Three waste-to-energy plants in Delhi causing pollution, NGT orders fresh inspection

The water level in the Yamuna river on Thursday rose above the danger mark after 18,295 cusecs of water was released into it from the neighbouring Haryana's Hathini Kund Barrage.

The river is currently flowing at 205.49 meters, which is above the danger mark of 204 meters.

The swelling Yamuna has created a panic-like situation in the nearby areas.

In the wake of the emergency, Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash on Tuesday called a meeting to discuss the situation.

As a precautionary measure, boats along with divers have been stationed in low lying areas and the Sub-Divisional Magistrates have been instructed to closely monitor the situation.

Apart from this, all the officers have been asked to follow instructions on "Delhi Flood 2018".&nbsp;

The water level in the Yamuna river on Thursday rose above the danger mark after 18,295 cusecs of water was released into it from the neighbouring Haryana's Hathini Kund Barrage.

The water level in the Yamuna river on Thursday rose above the danger mark after 18,295 cusecs of water was released into it from the neighbouring Haryana's Hathini Kund Barrage. The river is currently flowing at 205.49 meters, which is above the danger mark of 204 meters. The swelling Yamuna has created a panic-like situation in the nearby areas. In the wake of the emergency, Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash on Tuesday called a meeting to discuss the situation. As a precautionary measure, boats along with divers have been stationed in low lying areas and the Sub-Divisional Magistrates have been instructed to closely monitor the situation. Apart from this, all the officers have been asked to follow instructions on "Delhi Flood 2018".

Yamuna in Delhi crosses danger mark

Petrol prices in the national capital on Friday rose by 10 paise amounting to Rs.82.32 per litre while diesel remained unchanged at Rs.73.87 per litre.

For Mumbai, petrol prices registered a hike of 0.09 paise at Rs 89.69 per litre, diesel remained unchanged at Rs 78.42 per litre.

Petrol was sold at Rs 82.22 per litre in Delhi on Thursday while the prices of diesel remained unchanged at Rs 73.87 per litre.&nbsp;

In Mumbai, petrol prices were registered at a high of Rs 89.60 per litre, while diesel prices remained the same at Rs 78.42 for a litre on Thursday.

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Petrol &amp; Diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> are Rs.82.32 per litre &amp; Rs.73.87 per litre, respectively. Petrol &amp; Diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> are Rs.89.69 per litre &amp; Rs.78.42 per litre, respectively. <a href="https://t.co/7vRlnUMZRz">pic.twitter.com/7vRlnUMZRz</a>
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Fuel prices remained unchanged for the first time since September 12 on Wednesday with petrol selling at Rs 82.16 per litre and diesel at Rs 73.87 per litre in Delhi.

Meanwhile, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday admitted that fuel prices are "very high and hurting the public".

Gadkari also said he has been told that there is a likelihood of the global crude prices going down. He, however, did not clarify on the source of his information.

Petrol prices in the national capital on Friday rose by 10 paise amounting to Rs.82.32 per litre while diesel remained unchanged at Rs.73.87 per litre. For Mumbai, petrol prices registered a hike of 0.

Petrol prices in the national capital on Friday rose by 10 paise amounting to Rs.82.32 per litre while diesel remained unchanged at Rs.73.87 per litre. For Mumbai, petrol prices registered a hike of 0.09 paise at Rs 89.69 per litre, diesel remained unchanged at Rs 78.42 per litre. Petrol was sold at Rs 82.22 per litre in Delhi on Thursday while the prices of diesel remained unchanged at Rs 73.87 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol prices were registered at a high of Rs 89.60 per litre, while diesel prices remained the same at Rs 78.42 for a litre on Thursday. Petrol & Diesel prices in #Delhi are Rs.82.32 per litre & Rs.73.87 per litre, respectively. Petrol & Diesel prices in #Mumbai are Rs.89.69 per litre & Rs.78.42 per litre, respectively. pic.twitter.com/7vRlnUMZRz — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2018 × Fuel prices remained unchanged for the first time since September 12 on Wednesday with petrol selling at Rs 82.16 per litre and diesel at Rs 73.87 per litre in Delhi. Meanwhile, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday admitted that fuel prices are "very high and hurting the public". Gadkari also said he has been told that there is a likelihood of the global crude prices going down. He, however, did not clarify on the source of his information.

Petrol prices rise again at Rs 82.32 in Delhi, diesel remains unchanged 

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