After days of persistent deadly smog in Delhi, the air quality ironically improved to the “severe” category on Wednesday (Nov 20). The capital city and its neighbouring areas of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and other areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) were covered in a thin blanket of smog on Wednesday, increasing visibility marginally compared to previous days.

The 24-hour average AQI stood at 419 on Wednesday at 4:00 pm, down from 444 on Tuesday. It had skyrocketed to nearly 500 in the “severe plus” category earlier on Monday, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin.&nbsp;

The CPCB said Monday's reading was the second-worst air quality recorded since AQI tracking began in 2015.

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According to the CPCB, the AQI of Delhi's Anand Vihar was (406), Ashok Vihar (416), Bawana (419), Dwarka sector-8 (404), Jahangirpuri (437), Mundka (416), Nehru Nagar(410). Some other places remained in the severe category at 6:00 am on Thursday, November 21.

Visuals from various iconic areas of Delhi including India Gate and Kartavya Path, showed&nbsp;people carrying out their morning workouts in a smog-filled atmosphere.

Watch |&nbsp;Delhi Air Pollution: Odd-even Rule To Make Comeback?

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Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre's pollution watchdog, on Wednesday revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), mandating the closure of schools in Delhi and NCR districts under Stages 3 and 4 of the plan.

Earlier the decision to implement GRAP measures was left to the discretion of the state governments.&nbsp;

In addition to Delhi, the CAQM on Wednesday revised the GRAP, mandating the closure of school districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar as well, under Stages 3 and 4.

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An additional directive under these provisions now requires the state governments to stagger the timings of public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi and the NCR districts.

According to the new order, the decision on office timings remains at the discretion of the respective state governments for other NCR districts.

The AQI in Delhi has been in the severe category since Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday, it escalated to the severe plus category, with readings exceeding 450.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

After days of persistent deadly smog in Delhi, the air quality ironically improved to the “severe” category on Wednesday (Nov 20). The capital city and its neighbouring areas of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and other areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) were covered in a thin blanket of smog on Wednesday, increasing visibility marginally compared to previous days.

After days of persistent deadly smog in Delhi, the air quality ironically improved to the “severe” category on Wednesday (Nov 20). The capital city and its neighbouring areas of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and other areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) were covered in a thin blanket of smog on Wednesday, increasing visibility marginally compared to previous days. The 24-hour average AQI stood at 419 on Wednesday at 4:00 pm, down from 444 on Tuesday. It had skyrocketed to nearly 500 in the “severe plus” category earlier on Monday, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin. The CPCB said Monday's reading was the second-worst air quality recorded since AQI tracking began in 2015. Also Read | India's ISRO plans to build space station around moon by 2040: Report According to the CPCB, the AQI of Delhi's Anand Vihar was (406), Ashok Vihar (416), Bawana (419), Dwarka sector-8 (404), Jahangirpuri (437), Mundka (416), Nehru Nagar(410). Some other places remained in the severe category at 6:00 am on Thursday, November 21. Visuals from various iconic areas of Delhi including India Gate and Kartavya Path, showed people carrying out their morning workouts in a smog-filled atmosphere. Watch | Delhi Air Pollution: Odd-even Rule To Make Comeback? × Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre's pollution watchdog, on Wednesday revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), mandating the closure of schools in Delhi and NCR districts under Stages 3 and 4 of the plan. Earlier the decision to implement GRAP measures was left to the discretion of the state governments. In addition to Delhi, the CAQM on Wednesday revised the GRAP, mandating the closure of school districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar as well, under Stages 3 and 4. Also Read | Explained: What is Sea Vigil, India's largest Coastal Security Exercise? An additional directive under these provisions now requires the state governments to stagger the timings of public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi and the NCR districts. According to the new order, the decision on office timings remains at the discretion of the respective state governments for other NCR districts. The AQI in Delhi has been in the severe category since Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday, it escalated to the severe plus category, with readings exceeding 450. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi air quality improves to 'severe' category after days of 'severe plus' AQI; GRAP guidelines revised

Air quality index (AQI) in India's capital city, Delhi has remained in the 'very poor' category for the fifth consecutive day.&nbsp;

The overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 373, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Wednesday.&nbsp;

According to a forecast issued by the Air Quality Early Warning System on Tuesday, low wind speeds will likely dominate from November 1 to November 3, with the air quality remaining in the "very poor" category.

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The national capital and its surroundings were shrouded in haze on Tuesday, with the city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 350—the highest level of the season so far. According to information released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it was 347 on Monday and 325 on Sunday.

An AQI between zero 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'.

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As per the CPCB, Some areas in Delhi also experienced severe pollution, Wazirpur recorded an AQI of 422, while Rohini and Anand Vihar registered levels of 405 and 424, respectively, all falling under the ‘very poor’ category.&nbsp;

<h2>Delhi government's efforts to combat air pollution&nbsp;</h2>

The Delhi government has directed that, starting from November 1, all buses coming to the national capital from Haryana will have to run on electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel and the buses travelling from the NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan must also adhere to similar regulations.

The ultimate goal of the initiative is to switch to electric cars while addressing the air pollution that the diesel-powered buses operating in the area are causing. The transport department released a circular to Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana outlining the bus regulations that would take effect on Wednesday (Nov 1).

 
&nbsp;

Air quality index (AQI) in India's capital city, Delhi has remained in the 'very poor' category for the fifth consecutive day. The overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 373, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Wednesday.

Air quality index (AQI) in India's capital city, Delhi has remained in the 'very poor' category for the fifth consecutive day. The overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 373, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Wednesday. According to a forecast issued by the Air Quality Early Warning System on Tuesday, low wind speeds will likely dominate from November 1 to November 3, with the air quality remaining in the "very poor" category. Also read: India: Kerala police book Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar for ‘promoting religious enmity’ The national capital and its surroundings were shrouded in haze on Tuesday, with the city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 350—the highest level of the season so far. According to information released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it was 347 on Monday and 325 on Sunday. An AQI between zero 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'. Also read: Gold demand in India dims amid soaring prices: Report As per the CPCB, Some areas in Delhi also experienced severe pollution, Wazirpur recorded an AQI of 422, while Rohini and Anand Vihar registered levels of 405 and 424, respectively, all falling under the ‘very poor’ category. Delhi government's efforts to combat air pollution The Delhi government has directed that, starting from November 1, all buses coming to the national capital from Haryana will have to run on electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel and the buses travelling from the NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan must also adhere to similar regulations. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to switch to electric cars while addressing the air pollution that the diesel-powered buses operating in the area are causing. The transport department released a circular to Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana outlining the bus regulations that would take effect on Wednesday (Nov 1).

Delhi's air quality in 'very poor' category for 5th day in a row, ban on entry of these buses

Air quality index (AQI) in India's capital city, Delhi is in the 'very poor' category for the fifth consecutive day.&nbsp;

The overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 373, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Wednesday.&nbsp;

According to a forecast issued by the Air Quality Early Warning System on Tuesday, low wind speeds will likely dominate from November 1 to November 3, with the air quality remaining in the "very poor" category.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-police-book-union-minister-rajeev-chandrasekhar-for-promoting-religious-enmity-653562">India: Kerala police book Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar for ‘promoting religious enmity’</a>

The national capital and its surroundings were shrouded in haze on Tuesday, with the city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 350—the highest level of the season so far. According to information released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it was 347 on Monday and 325 on Sunday.

An AQI between zero 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'.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-demand-in-india-dims-amid-soaring-prices-report-653761">Gold demand in India dims amid soaring prices: Report&nbsp;</a>

As per the CPCB, Some areas in Delhi also experienced severe pollution.&nbsp;Wazirpur recorded an AQI of 422, while Rohini and Anand Vihar registered levels of 405 and 424, respectively, all falling under the ‘very poor’ category.&nbsp;

<h2>Delhi government's efforts to combat air pollution&nbsp;</h2>

The Delhi government has directed that, starting from November 1, all buses coming to the national capital from Haryana will have to run on electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel and the buses travelling from the NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan must also adhere to similar regulations.

The ultimate goal of the initiative is to switch to electric buses while addressing the air pollution that diesel-powered buses&nbsp;are causing. The transport department released a circular to Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana outlining the bus regulations that would take effect on Wednesday (Nov 1).

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Air quality index (AQI) in India's capital city, Delhi is in the 'very poor' category for the fifth consecutive day. The overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 373, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Wednesday.

Air quality index (AQI) in India's capital city, Delhi is in the 'very poor' category for the fifth consecutive day. The overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 373, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Wednesday. According to a forecast issued by the Air Quality Early Warning System on Tuesday, low wind speeds will likely dominate from November 1 to November 3, with the air quality remaining in the "very poor" category. Also read: India: Kerala police book Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar for ‘promoting religious enmity’ The national capital and its surroundings were shrouded in haze on Tuesday, with the city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 350—the highest level of the season so far. According to information released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it was 347 on Monday and 325 on Sunday. An AQI between zero 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'. Also read: Gold demand in India dims amid soaring prices: Report As per the CPCB, Some areas in Delhi also experienced severe pollution. Wazirpur recorded an AQI of 422, while Rohini and Anand Vihar registered levels of 405 and 424, respectively, all falling under the ‘very poor’ category. Delhi government's efforts to combat air pollution The Delhi government has directed that, starting from November 1, all buses coming to the national capital from Haryana will have to run on electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel and the buses travelling from the NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan must also adhere to similar regulations. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to switch to electric buses while addressing the air pollution that diesel-powered buses are causing. The transport department released a circular to Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana outlining the bus regulations that would take effect on Wednesday (Nov 1). (With inputs from agencies)

India: Delhi's air quality in 'very poor' category for 5th day in a row

India's major metropolitan cities, New Delhi and Mumbai are experiencing the worst air quality of the year.&nbsp;

In the national capital, New Delhi, the air quality continued to remain in the "very poor" category for the fourth day in a row. The AQI stood at 350 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Mumbai's air quality was in the 'moderate' category, with an AQI of 161 on Tuesday. The most concerning air quality was noted at Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex, where the AQI reached the level of 257.&nbsp;

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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". An AQI above 500 falls in the “severe plus" category.

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the air quality is expected to remain in the 'very poor' category until at least November 2. The air quality in Delhi is at its worst level since 2020.&nbsp;

The average AQI in the city was at 210 between October 1 and October 29, lower only than the 257 recorded in October 2020, according to data maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board.&nbsp;

<h2>Mumbai air pollution</h2>

Due to its coastal location, Mumbai was considered immune from the issue of air pollution, but the last two years have shown that its geographical advantage no longer provides protection. As per several reports, Mumbai's air was more polluted than Delhi's on some days.&nbsp;

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<h2>Measures taken by government to curb air pollution</h2>

To curb pollution in Delhi, starting Wednesday, only CNG, and BS-VI-compliant buses will be allowed to enter Delhi from other states. Meanwhile, the Mumbai civic authority, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued “stop-work” notices to construction sites.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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India's major metropolitan cities, New Delhi and Mumbai are experiencing the worst air quality of the year. In the national capital, New Delhi, the air quality continued to remain in the "very poor" category for the fourth day in a row.

India's major metropolitan cities, New Delhi and Mumbai are experiencing the worst air quality of the year. In the national capital, New Delhi, the air quality continued to remain in the "very poor" category for the fourth day in a row. The AQI stood at 350 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Meanwhile, Mumbai's air quality was in the 'moderate' category, with an AQI of 161 on Tuesday. The most concerning air quality was noted at Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex, where the AQI reached the level of 257. Also read: National Unity Day 2023: Here's why we celebrate Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary as Ekta Diwas 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". An AQI above 500 falls in the “severe plus" category. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the air quality is expected to remain in the 'very poor' category until at least November 2. The air quality in Delhi is at its worst level since 2020. The average AQI in the city was at 210 between October 1 and October 29, lower only than the 257 recorded in October 2020, according to data maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board. Mumbai air pollution Due to its coastal location, Mumbai was considered immune from the issue of air pollution, but the last two years have shown that its geographical advantage no longer provides protection. As per several reports, Mumbai's air was more polluted than Delhi's on some days. Also read: India's stock market may decline by 25 pc if BJP loses 2024 elections: Jefferies Measures taken by government to curb air pollution To curb pollution in Delhi, starting Wednesday, only CNG, and BS-VI-compliant buses will be allowed to enter Delhi from other states. Meanwhile, the Mumbai civic authority, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued “stop-work” notices to construction sites. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Air quality in Delhi continues to worsen, smoggy Mumbai also no longer immune

Delhi's air quality turned "severe" on Saturday with slow wind speed allowing the accumulation of "locally generated" pollutants, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials.

However, it is expected to improve by Monday as the wind speed is likely to pick up.&nbsp;At 10 am, the city's air quality index (AQI) was 401, which falls in the "severe" category.

The 24-hour average AQI was 382 on Friday, 341 on Thursday, 373 on Wednesday, 367 on Tuesday, 318 on Monday and 268 on Sunday.

Air pollution in the neighbouring cities of Ghaziabad (AQI 446), Greater Noida (401) and Noida (406) also entered the "severe" zone.

An AQI between zero 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 wind speed remained slow allowing the accumulation of pollutants generated locally, V K Soni, head of the IMD's environment research centre said.

"Easterly winds carrying moisture also led to the formation of secondary particulate matter. All these factors together pushed the air quality in the 'severe' zone," he said.

However, Soni said, the air quality is likely to improve to the "poor" category by Monday as the wind speed is expected to pick up.

According to the IMD, the maximum wind speed is likely to be 8 kmph on Saturday, 10 kmph on Sunday and 15 kmph on Monday.

The minimum temperature in Delhi was 11 degrees Celsius on Saturday and the maximum is expected to settle around 28 degrees Celsius, the weather department said.

However, the minimum temperature is likely to dip again with the wind direction changing to northwesterly by Monday, according to IMD officials.

Westerly and northwesterly winds blow from snow-laden western Himalayas towards the plains. Shallow to moderate fog is also predicted over the next two days, the IMD said.

The minimum temperature this season has remained 2-3 notches below normal in the absence of a cloud cover on most days, according to IMD officials.

Calm winds and low temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground, while favourable wind speed helps in their dispersion.

The central government's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi said the city's ventilation index -- a product of mixing depth and average wind speed -- is likely to be 2,500 m2/s on Friday.

Mixing depth is the vertical height at which pollutants are suspended in the air. It reduces on cold days with calm wind speed. 
A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second, with the average wind speed less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for the dispersal of pollutants.

Delhi's air quality turned "severe" on Saturday with slow wind speed allowing the accumulation of "locally generated" pollutants, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials.

Delhi's air quality turned "severe" on Saturday with slow wind speed allowing the accumulation of "locally generated" pollutants, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials. However, it is expected to improve by Monday as the wind speed is likely to pick up. At 10 am, the city's air quality index (AQI) was 401, which falls in the "severe" category. The 24-hour average AQI was 382 on Friday, 341 on Thursday, 373 on Wednesday, 367 on Tuesday, 318 on Monday and 268 on Sunday. Air pollution in the neighbouring cities of Ghaziabad (AQI 446), Greater Noida (401) and Noida (406) also entered the "severe" zone. An AQI between zero 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 wind speed remained slow allowing the accumulation of pollutants generated locally, V K Soni, head of the IMD's environment research centre said. "Easterly winds carrying moisture also led to the formation of secondary particulate matter. All these factors together pushed the air quality in the 'severe' zone," he said. However, Soni said, the air quality is likely to improve to the "poor" category by Monday as the wind speed is expected to pick up. According to the IMD, the maximum wind speed is likely to be 8 kmph on Saturday, 10 kmph on Sunday and 15 kmph on Monday. The minimum temperature in Delhi was 11 degrees Celsius on Saturday and the maximum is expected to settle around 28 degrees Celsius, the weather department said. However, the minimum temperature is likely to dip again with the wind direction changing to northwesterly by Monday, according to IMD officials. Westerly and northwesterly winds blow from snow-laden western Himalayas towards the plains. Shallow to moderate fog is also predicted over the next two days, the IMD said. The minimum temperature this season has remained 2-3 notches below normal in the absence of a cloud cover on most days, according to IMD officials. Calm winds and low temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground, while favourable wind speed helps in their dispersion. The central government's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi said the city's ventilation index -- a product of mixing depth and average wind speed -- is likely to be 2,500 m2/s on Friday. Mixing depth is the vertical height at which pollutants are suspended in the air. It reduces on cold days with calm wind speed. A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second, with the average wind speed less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for the dispersal of pollutants.

Delhi's air quality 'severe'; moderate fog next 2 days: IMD

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has pulled up officials including three municipal commissioners, DDA Vice Chairman and CEO of Delhi Jal Board who were not present at the meeting of Parliament's standing committee on Urban Development on Friday which was called over Delhi air pollution.

Sources said the officials met the Speaker where they were asked about their absence.

A meeting of the Standing Committee on Urban Development has now been scheduled for Wednesday. It will discuss 'Role of Municipal Corporations of Delhi, DDA, NDMC, CPWD and NBCC in reducing air pollution in Delhi'. The committee is headed by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.

Pal had written to the Speaker demanding strict action against the erring officials.

He had sought necessary and stringent action against the officials who did not attend the meeting last week, sources said.

The letter had mentioned the erring officials by name, including C K Mishra, secretary Environment, Forest and Climate Change, three municipal corporation commissioners -- Varsha Joshi, commissioner NDMC, Dilraj Kaur, commissioner EDMC, Gyanesh Bharti, commissioner SDMC and Nikhil Kumar, CEO Delhi Jal Board.

The letter had also mentioned the name of Tarun Kapoor, DDA vice-chairman.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had on Friday said that the Joint Secretary was not able to attend the meeting over air quality as she had to appear for an 'important matter' in the Supreme Court on the same day. Ministry in an official response release had also asserted that it was represented by Deputy Secretary.

The air quality in the national capital had reached severe and hazardous levels before a slight improvement due to wind conditions.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has pulled up officials including three municipal commissioners, DDA Vice Chairman and CEO of Delhi Jal Board who were not present at the meeting of Parliament's standing committee on Urban Development on Friday which was called over Delhi air pollution.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has pulled up officials including three municipal commissioners, DDA Vice Chairman and CEO of Delhi Jal Board who were not present at the meeting of Parliament's standing committee on Urban Development on Friday which was called over Delhi air pollution. Sources said the officials met the Speaker where they were asked about their absence. A meeting of the Standing Committee on Urban Development has now been scheduled for Wednesday. It will discuss 'Role of Municipal Corporations of Delhi, DDA, NDMC, CPWD and NBCC in reducing air pollution in Delhi'. The committee is headed by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. Pal had written to the Speaker demanding strict action against the erring officials. He had sought necessary and stringent action against the officials who did not attend the meeting last week, sources said. The letter had mentioned the erring officials by name, including C K Mishra, secretary Environment, Forest and Climate Change, three municipal corporation commissioners -- Varsha Joshi, commissioner NDMC, Dilraj Kaur, commissioner EDMC, Gyanesh Bharti, commissioner SDMC and Nikhil Kumar, CEO Delhi Jal Board. The letter had also mentioned the name of Tarun Kapoor, DDA vice-chairman. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had on Friday said that the Joint Secretary was not able to attend the meeting over air quality as she had to appear for an 'important matter' in the Supreme Court on the same day. Ministry in an official response release had also asserted that it was represented by Deputy Secretary. The air quality in the national capital had reached severe and hazardous levels before a slight improvement due to wind conditions.

Lok Sabha speaker pulls up officials for absence at parliamentary panel meeting on pollution

The Supreme Court on Friday called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-to-decide-extending-odd-even-if-air-quality-in-delhi-doesnt-improve-in-2-3-days-arvind-kejriwal-262285">odd-even rationing scheme </a>"half-baked" and said that it might not be a solution to control the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. The apex court said that despite the implementation of the scheme, the pollution levels have continued to increase.

Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Delhi government, told the court that if certain exemptions are removed, it will help. "We are trying to work it out further. If two-wheelers are not allowed, the city will come to a standstill," he said. He further said that stubble burning is the main cause of air pollution.

The court pulled up AAP-led Delhi government and asked it to apprise it about the effect of the scheme on air pollution levels. "Even Delhi government's affidavit says we have not conducted such study on the odd-even. It's a halfway solution, either it's full odd-even or no odd-even, there has to be no exemption. We don't know whether it's really working or not," the top court said.

It added, "Delhi is suffering badly, the AQI is almost 600 even today. How do people breathe?"

The court also directed the Centre to prepare a road map for installation of air-purifying towers to deal with the pollution crisis in the national capital. The air pollution levels in Delhi and its adjoining areas remained in the 'severe'&nbsp;category today for the third consecutive day.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 482 which falls under the 'Severe'&nbsp;category with PM10 being 504 and PM2.5 - 332, according to Center-run SAFAR.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday called the odd-even rationing scheme "half-baked" and said that it might not be a solution to control the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

The Supreme Court on Friday called the odd-even rationing scheme "half-baked" and said that it might not be a solution to control the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. The apex court said that despite the implementation of the scheme, the pollution levels have continued to increase. Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Delhi government, told the court that if certain exemptions are removed, it will help. "We are trying to work it out further. If two-wheelers are not allowed, the city will come to a standstill," he said. He further said that stubble burning is the main cause of air pollution. The court pulled up AAP-led Delhi government and asked it to apprise it about the effect of the scheme on air pollution levels. "Even Delhi government's affidavit says we have not conducted such study on the odd-even. It's a halfway solution, either it's full odd-even or no odd-even, there has to be no exemption. We don't know whether it's really working or not," the top court said. It added, "Delhi is suffering badly, the AQI is almost 600 even today. How do people breathe?" The court also directed the Centre to prepare a road map for installation of air-purifying towers to deal with the pollution crisis in the national capital. The air pollution levels in Delhi and its adjoining areas remained in the 'severe' category today for the third consecutive day. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 482 which falls under the 'Severe' category with PM10 being 504 and PM2.5 - 332, according to Center-run SAFAR.

Supreme Court again pulls up Delhi govt, says odd-even not a solution to air pollution

Everything you should know about adverse effects of air pollution