Air quality in the Indian capital New Delhi has once again deteriorated to the 'severe' category, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 401 by 6:00 pm (local time) on Friday (Nov 22).

Air quality in the Indian capital New Delhi has once again deteriorated to the 'severe' category, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 401 by 6:00 pm (local time) on Friday (Nov 22). Out of the 39 monitoring stations across the city, 19 reported AQI levels in the "severe" range. After nearly a week of severe and "severe-plus" air pollution, there was a brief improvement on Friday morning when the AQI dropped to 371, categorised as 'very poor.' However, this respite was short-lived as by evening, the pollution levels deteriorated again, with the AQI crossing 400. For context, the AQI categories are defined as follows: 0-50 is "good," 51-100 is "satisfactory," 101-200 is "moderate," 201-300 is "poor," 301-400 is "very poor," and 401-500 is "severe." Supreme Court raps Delhi govt over lapses in enforcement of GRAP-4 The Supreme Court addressed the pollution crisis on Friday and announced that it would decide on November 25 whether the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-4 restrictions in Delhi should be eased. Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement of GRAP-4 measures, particularly regarding the entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods into Delhi. The apex court also criticised the lack of checks at entry points to the city. It ordered the Delhi Police to set up check posts at all 113 entry points into the city to enforce the restrictions effectively. Also read: ‘World War 3 has already begun,’ Ex-Ukraine army chief warns, citing US role "Out of 113, almost 100 entry points are unmanned in the sense that there is nobody to check the entry of trucks... We direct the Delhi government and Delhi Police to ensure that check posts are immediately set up at all 113 entry points," the court observed. The GRAP-IV guidelines prohibit the entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles into Delhi. This measure was implemented as air pollution reached the "severe plus" category earlier in the week. It added, "As far as stopping entry of trucks and entry of vehicles registered outside Delhi is concerned, we are not satisfied. The (Delhi) government has not stated clearly as to at how many entry points, there are teams present to prevent the entry of vehicles." It also said that personnel manning these points must be well-informed about the orders given by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government. "Personnel who monitor these points should be clearly told what the accepted items are mentioned in the order issued by the government of Delhi. Trucks and other vehicles covered by clause 1 and 2 carrying only items in clause 3 should be allowed entry. There is failure on the part of the Delhi government and police to implement clauses," the court added. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi AQI rises to 'severe' again after brief respite; SC raps AAP govt over 'failure' to enforce GRAP 4

As the Indian Capital, Delhi, suffocates under a blanket of smog blamed on stubble burning, a new study has revealed that thermal power plants emit 16 times more pollution.

The study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed coal-fired thermal power plants in the National Capital Region (NCR) produce 16 times more air pollutants than stubble burning.

<h2>The scale of emissions</h2>

Between June 2022 and May 2023, NCR thermal power plants released 281 kilotonnes of sulphur dioxide (SO2), while the burning of 8.9 million tonnes of paddy straw contributed just 17.8 kilotonnes of SO2.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-ncr-on-high-alert-grap-iv-anti-pollution-measures-to-kick-in-as-air-quality-hits-severe-plus-776892">Stricter GRAP-IV anti-pollution measures kick in as Delhi air quality deteriorates to ‘severe plus’ category</a>

"A comparison between NCR thermal power plant emissions and paddy straw burning emissions in Punjab and Haryana highlights the scale of SO2 pollution. Thermal power plants in NCR emit 281 kilotonnes of SO2 annually—16 times more than the 17.8 kilotonnes emitted by burning 8.9 million tonnes of paddy straw," notes the study.

The report notes that thermal power plants are a "year-round" pollution source.

"While paddy straw burning causes seasonal spikes, thermal power plants represent a larger, persistent pollution source year-round, underscoring the need for stricter controls on thermal power plant emissions. Yet, thermal power plants often receive leniency and repeated compliance extensions, especially for installing FGDs, whereas stubble burning is heavily penalised, with strict enforcement on farmers during the burning season."

<h2>What can be done? &nbsp;</h2>

The CREA study highlights the potential of flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) technology to reduce emissions by 67 per cent, bringing SO2 levels in NCR thermal plants down to 93 kilotonnes annually.&nbsp;

"Over 96 per cent of particulate pollution from coal-fired power plants in the NCR is secondary in nature, primarily originating from SO2. Reducing SO2 emissions can significantly decrease the secondary particulate matter load, thereby reducing the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to these particles," explained Manoj Kumar, an analyst at CREA. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-smothered-in-smog-as-aqi-remains-at-severe-levels-mumbai-records-moderate-air-quality-776841">Delhi smothered in smog with 'severe' AQI level; Mumbai records 'moderate' air quality</a>

"SO2 levels often meet the NAAQS because, once released, it quickly transforms into sulfates—secondary particles that are major components of PM2.5. These secondary particles have a longer lifetime and pose serious health risks. This hidden transformation of SO2 into harmful particles emphasises the necessity for FGD installation," he added.

While thermal plants are a significant source of pollution, vehicular emissions accounted for 15.8 per cent of Delhi’s pollution on Sunday, according to the government’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management. Meanwhile, stubble burning spiked on Saturday, contributing 25 per cent of the city's pollution.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Indian Capital, Delhi, suffocates under a blanket of smog blamed on stubble burning, a new study has revealed that thermal power plants emit 16 times more pollution.

As the Indian Capital, Delhi, suffocates under a blanket of smog blamed on stubble burning, a new study has revealed that thermal power plants emit 16 times more pollution. The study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed coal-fired thermal power plants in the National Capital Region (NCR) produce 16 times more air pollutants than stubble burning. The scale of emissions Between June 2022 and May 2023, NCR thermal power plants released 281 kilotonnes of sulphur dioxide (SO2), while the burning of 8.9 million tonnes of paddy straw contributed just 17.8 kilotonnes of SO2. Also read | Stricter GRAP-IV anti-pollution measures kick in as Delhi air quality deteriorates to ‘severe plus’ category "A comparison between NCR thermal power plant emissions and paddy straw burning emissions in Punjab and Haryana highlights the scale of SO2 pollution. Thermal power plants in NCR emit 281 kilotonnes of SO2 annually—16 times more than the 17.8 kilotonnes emitted by burning 8.9 million tonnes of paddy straw," notes the study. The report notes that thermal power plants are a "year-round" pollution source. "While paddy straw burning causes seasonal spikes, thermal power plants represent a larger, persistent pollution source year-round, underscoring the need for stricter controls on thermal power plant emissions. Yet, thermal power plants often receive leniency and repeated compliance extensions, especially for installing FGDs, whereas stubble burning is heavily penalised, with strict enforcement on farmers during the burning season." What can be done? The CREA study highlights the potential of flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) technology to reduce emissions by 67 per cent, bringing SO2 levels in NCR thermal plants down to 93 kilotonnes annually. "Over 96 per cent of particulate pollution from coal-fired power plants in the NCR is secondary in nature, primarily originating from SO2. Reducing SO2 emissions can significantly decrease the secondary particulate matter load, thereby reducing the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to these particles," explained Manoj Kumar, an analyst at CREA. Also read | Delhi smothered in smog with 'severe' AQI level; Mumbai records 'moderate' air quality "SO2 levels often meet the NAAQS because, once released, it quickly transforms into sulfates—secondary particles that are major components of PM2.5. These secondary particles have a longer lifetime and pose serious health risks. This hidden transformation of SO2 into harmful particles emphasises the necessity for FGD installation," he added. While thermal plants are a significant source of pollution, vehicular emissions accounted for 15.8 per cent of Delhi’s pollution on Sunday, according to the government’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management. Meanwhile, stubble burning spiked on Saturday, contributing 25 per cent of the city's pollution. (With inputs from agencies)

Thermal power plants emit 16 times more pollution than stubble burning: Study  

Indian national capital Delhi on Sunday (Nov. 17) once again woke up to a suffocating shroud of smog, with air quality plunging to severe levels.

The city's Air Quality Index (AQI), as per ANI, spiked to 428 at 8 am, firmly placing it in the "severe" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This toxic haze, caused by a lethal mix of local emissions and crop stubble burning in nearby states, left residents gasping for breath and struggling with poor visibility.

Drone visuals captured at landmarks like New Delhi Railway Station, AIIMS, and Mayur Vihar revealed an unbroken layer of smog cloaking buildings and roads. Hotspots like Patparganj (439), Mundka (463), and Jahangirpuri (466) recorded alarming AQI readings.

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Meanwhile, the Yamuna River's surface remains frothing with toxic foam caused by untreated industrial discharge and chemical-laden detergents.&nbsp;

The air quality crisis hit public transport too, with Delhi airport activating low-visibility protocols, though flights continued to operate. Officials advised travellers to stay updated with airlines for potential flight disruptions.&nbsp;

"Low-visibility procedures are in progress at the Delhi airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are to contact the airline concerned for updated information," posted the airport on its X handle.

<h2>GRAP-III&nbsp;implemented</h2>

To tackle the crisis, Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented, triggering a series of emergency measures. These include a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. Violators face steep fines of ₹20,000 (around $237) under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grap-iii-anti-pollution-measures-implemented-in-delhi-amid-severe-aqi-776232">Stricter GRAP-III pollution curbs imposed as Delhi chokes amid&nbsp;‘severe’&nbsp; air quality</a>

Furthermore, road cleaning and water sprinkling on roads along with dust suppressants was intensified,&nbsp;and there is a complete halt on construction and demolition activities.

<h2>Mumbai faces foggy morning</h2>

Meanwhile, India's financial capital Mumbai woke up to a misty morning with moderate air quality with&nbsp;AQI of 179, far below Delhi’s hazardous levels,&nbsp;though Malad (276) and Worli (250) were areas of concern. With the cityscape enveloped in fog, visibility as per an ANI report reduced to less than 500 metres.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian national capital Delhi on Sunday (Nov. 17) once again woke up to a suffocating shroud of smog, with air quality plunging to severe levels. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI), as per ANI, spiked to 428 at 8 am, firmly placing it in the "severe" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Indian national capital Delhi on Sunday (Nov. 17) once again woke up to a suffocating shroud of smog, with air quality plunging to severe levels. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI), as per ANI, spiked to 428 at 8 am, firmly placing it in the "severe" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This toxic haze, caused by a lethal mix of local emissions and crop stubble burning in nearby states, left residents gasping for breath and struggling with poor visibility. Drone visuals captured at landmarks like New Delhi Railway Station, AIIMS, and Mayur Vihar revealed an unbroken layer of smog cloaking buildings and roads. Hotspots like Patparganj (439), Mundka (463), and Jahangirpuri (466) recorded alarming AQI readings. Also read | India successfully tests long-range hypersonic missile, marks 'major milestone' Meanwhile, the Yamuna River's surface remains frothing with toxic foam caused by untreated industrial discharge and chemical-laden detergents. The air quality crisis hit public transport too, with Delhi airport activating low-visibility protocols, though flights continued to operate. Officials advised travellers to stay updated with airlines for potential flight disruptions. "Low-visibility procedures are in progress at the Delhi airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are to contact the airline concerned for updated information," posted the airport on its X handle. GRAP-III implemented To tackle the crisis, Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented, triggering a series of emergency measures. These include a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. Violators face steep fines of ₹20,000 (around $237) under the Motor Vehicle Act. Also read | Stricter GRAP-III pollution curbs imposed as Delhi chokes amid ‘severe’ air quality Furthermore, road cleaning and water sprinkling on roads along with dust suppressants was intensified, and there is a complete halt on construction and demolition activities. Mumbai faces foggy morning Meanwhile, India's financial capital Mumbai woke up to a misty morning with moderate air quality with AQI of 179, far below Delhi’s hazardous levels, though Malad (276) and Worli (250) were areas of concern. With the cityscape enveloped in fog, visibility as per an ANI report reduced to less than 500 metres. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi smothered in smog with 'severe' AQI level; Mumbai records 'moderate' air quality

A&nbsp;thick layer of smog on Monday (Nov 27) led to&nbsp;deterioration of air quality of Indian capital Delhi.&nbsp; There was earlier a slight improvement with Air Quality Index (AQI) on Sunday at 389 in the “very poor” category as compared to 414 in the “severe” category on Friday.

On Monday, it came back to severe category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which said RK Puram recorded an AQI of 419 at 7:00 am local time.

Other areas also recorded AQI in the severe category with ITO at 435, Dwarka Sector 8 at 402, Jahangirpuri at 437 and Ashok Vihar at 455.&nbsp;

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<h2>AQI dips&nbsp;in the capital, rains likely to bring relief</h2>

Rains are expected in the coming days, which might bring in some relief to the national capital.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted improvement in&nbsp; conditions under the influence of a western disturbance affecting northwest India starting Sunday.

There is also the possibility of rain in Delhi and nearby areas that will likely curb pollution in the city.

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Though the capital city’s air quality showed slight improvement from skyrocketing pollution levels in recent days, there has been no complete relief from it.

The recent surge in AQI levels can be attributed to the lifting of several restrictions by the Centre last Saturday. It provides allowance for construction activities and the entry of trucks into Delhi from other states.

However, restrictions under stages 1 to 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remained in place.

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Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai conducted a meeting on Friday in the wake of increasing pollution in the city.

"Some increase in the pollution of Delhi has been noted. We had a meeting regarding it. The incidents of stubble burning are very few now, and the level of pollution is still increasing. Scientists reported 2-3 factors for this. The first is that vehicle pollution's contribution is 36 per cent. The second factor is biomass burning. We made some major decisions after seeing this, Gopal Rai said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A thick layer of smog on Monday (Nov 27) led to deterioration of air quality of Indian capital Delhi. There was earlier a slight improvement with Air Quality Index (AQI) on Sunday at 389 in the “very poor” category as compared to 414 in the “severe” category on Friday.

A thick layer of smog on Monday (Nov 27) led to deterioration of air quality of Indian capital Delhi. There was earlier a slight improvement with Air Quality Index (AQI) on Sunday at 389 in the “very poor” category as compared to 414 in the “severe” category on Friday. On Monday, it came back to severe category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which said RK Puram recorded an AQI of 419 at 7:00 am local time. Other areas also recorded AQI in the severe category with ITO at 435, Dwarka Sector 8 at 402, Jahangirpuri at 437 and Ashok Vihar at 455. Also Read | 'Give us something': Indian envoy asks Canada to provide evidence linking New Delhi's role to Nijjar's killing AQI dips in the capital, rains likely to bring relief Rains are expected in the coming days, which might bring in some relief to the national capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted improvement in conditions under the influence of a western disturbance affecting northwest India starting Sunday. There is also the possibility of rain in Delhi and nearby areas that will likely curb pollution in the city. Also Read | Malaysia opens visa-free doors for Indian, Chinese travelers from Dec 1 Though the capital city’s air quality showed slight improvement from skyrocketing pollution levels in recent days, there has been no complete relief from it. The recent surge in AQI levels can be attributed to the lifting of several restrictions by the Centre last Saturday. It provides allowance for construction activities and the entry of trucks into Delhi from other states. However, restrictions under stages 1 to 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remained in place. Also Read | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Vertical drilling moves swiftly amid race to save trapped workers Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai conducted a meeting on Friday in the wake of increasing pollution in the city. "Some increase in the pollution of Delhi has been noted. We had a meeting regarding it. The incidents of stubble burning are very few now, and the level of pollution is still increasing. Scientists reported 2-3 factors for this. The first is that vehicle pollution's contribution is 36 per cent. The second factor is biomass burning. We made some major decisions after seeing this, Gopal Rai said. (With inputs from agencies)

India weather: Delhi air quality falls to 'severe' category after slightly improving; rains may bring relief

Delhi is in a critical situation as coronavirus spread and pollution in the city are on the peak.

Delhi's air quality improves from 'Severe' to 'Very poor'

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Delhi AQI rises to 'severe' again after brief respite; SC raps AAP govt over 'failure' to enforce GRAP 4

Thermal power plants emit 16 times more pollution than stubble burning: Study

Delhi smothered in smog with 'severe' AQI level; Mumbai records 'moderate' air quality

India weather: Delhi air quality falls to 'severe' category after slightly improving; rains may bring relief

Delhi's air quality improves from 'Severe' to 'Very poor'