<p>Indian Supreme Court Thursday (Oct 3) chided the governments of Punjab and Haryana states for not doing anything substantial to tackle the pollution problem. The top court also criticised the states for collecting just nominal compensation from farmers engaging in stubble burning, which annually causes lethal, toxic air pollution in Delhi.</p>

<p>The apex court also rebuked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which is tasked with controlling pollution in and around Delhi.</p>

<p>The bench comprising Justice A Amanullah and Justice AG Masih said, "Everybody knows that except discussion nothing is happening. That is the harsh reality of this."</p>

<p>This comes after the Supreme Court ordered CAQM last week to file a detailed affidavit on steps being taken to tackle stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Haryana and Punjab, key farming hubs in northern India. The bench highlighted how the committee met only thrice in the past nine months and there was no discussion on stubble burning at all.</p>

<p>“The last meeting was on August 29. Entire September, there was no meeting. You said that this committee consists of IPS officers etc who will enforce the directions. Now not a single meeting has been held after August 29 when it comes to enforcement," Justice Oka said.</p>

<p>"Is this the seriousness which is being shown?" the judge asked.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwig2vC18vGIAxXnqFYBHWqfBMsQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-stubbly-burning-the-sole-reason-for-delhis-poor-aqi-a-new-study-reveals-otherwise-655878" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-stubbly-burning-the-sole-reason-for-delhis-poor-aqi-a-new-study-reveals-otherwise-655878&amp;ved=2ahUKEwig2vC18vGIAxXnqFYBHWqfBMsQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Is stubble burning the sole reason for Delhi’s poor air quality? A new study reveals otherwise</a></strong></p>

<p>The state government’s counsel in response told the court that they had filed cases under relevant sections against those engaging in disobedience of orders of a public servant. The court then shot back, saying the FIRs had been filed under the softest provisions.</p>

<p>"You have taken the softest provision that is there to prosecute. There is Section 14 of CAQM Act, Section 15 of the Environmental Protection Act which has drastic powers," the bench noted.</p>

<p>The government’s counsel then argued they didn’t take drastic measures because the pollution level had reduced.</p>

<p>"You must implement your own orders. This is all in the air. There are targets, action plans, sectoral meetings but the basic provisions of the Act are not be implemented at all. In 2024, there are 129 cases of stubble burning, why action has not been taken against these people? Why Section 15 of the Environmental Protection Act is not invoked and why the corresponding action is not taken against the officers of the government?" Justice Oka asked.</p>

<p><i>(With inputs from agencies)</i></p>


Indian Supreme Court Thursday (Oct 3) chided the governments of Punjab and Haryana states for not doing anything substantial to tackle the pollution problem. The top court also criticised the states for collecting just nominal compensation from farmers engaging in stubble burning, which annually causes lethal, toxic air pollution in Delhi.

Indian Supreme Court Thursday (Oct 3) chided the governments of Punjab and Haryana states for not doing anything substantial to tackle the pollution problem. The top court also criticised the states for collecting just nominal compensation from farmers engaging in stubble burning, which annually causes lethal, toxic air pollution in Delhi. The apex court also rebuked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which is tasked with controlling pollution in and around Delhi. The bench comprising Justice A Amanullah and Justice AG Masih said, "Everybody knows that except discussion nothing is happening. That is the harsh reality of this." This comes after the Supreme Court ordered CAQM last week to file a detailed affidavit on steps being taken to tackle stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Haryana and Punjab, key farming hubs in northern India. The bench highlighted how the committee met only thrice in the past nine months and there was no discussion on stubble burning at all. “The last meeting was on August 29. Entire September, there was no meeting. You said that this committee consists of IPS officers etc who will enforce the directions. Now not a single meeting has been held after August 29 when it comes to enforcement," Justice Oka said. "Is this the seriousness which is being shown?" the judge asked. Also read: Is stubble burning the sole reason for Delhi’s poor air quality? A new study reveals otherwise The state government’s counsel in response told the court that they had filed cases under relevant sections against those engaging in disobedience of orders of a public servant. The court then shot back, saying the FIRs had been filed under the softest provisions. "You have taken the softest provision that is there to prosecute. There is Section 14 of CAQM Act, Section 15 of the Environmental Protection Act which has drastic powers," the bench noted. The government’s counsel then argued they didn’t take drastic measures because the pollution level had reduced. "You must implement your own orders. This is all in the air. There are targets, action plans, sectoral meetings but the basic provisions of the Act are not be implemented at all. In 2024, there are 129 cases of stubble burning, why action has not been taken against these people? Why Section 15 of the Environmental Protection Act is not invoked and why the corresponding action is not taken against the officers of the government?" Justice Oka asked. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Nothing is happening,’ SC rebukes Haryana, Punjab over Delhi’s pollution problem

<p>Smog in Delhi during the winter season has become an annual affair. Despite policy interventions and immense debate over the years, there have been no signs of improvement in the kind of air the people breathe in the national capital.</p>

<p>There are a variety of factors that contribute to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. Smoke from farmers burning crop stubble, vehicle exhaust and factory emissions combine to form a toxic concoction that remains stranded in the lower part of the atmosphere during the winter season.</p>

<p>Out of this, two causes have largely grabbed the limelight: stubble burning and Delhi’s cold temperature.</p>

<h2><strong>Dip in stubble burning&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A new analysis done by Climate Trends, a Delhi-based research institute, has revealed that stubble burning—which largely takes place in the agricultural states of Punjab and Haryana—has actually seen a drop in the past two years.</p>

<p>It has indicated that Delhi’s meteorology might have played a major part in Delhi breathing toxic smog this year.</p>

<p>Using NASA Earth VIIRS data to count farm fires and wind and temperature profile data from CPCB reveal that there has been a 47.8 per cent reduction in farm fires in Punjab and a 38.04 per cent reduction in Haryana between 2022 and 2023 for the period Oct 1 to Nov 5.</p>

<p>Of this, Sangrur district has performed better in Punjab with 46 per cent reduction, from 4,287 fire counts in 2022 to only 2,295 fire counts in 2023.</p>

<h2><strong>Wind direction contributing to smog in Delhi?</strong></h2>

<p>Analysing the wind trajectory data reveals a strong correlation between the wind direction originating from Punjab and Haryana and the resulting pollution levels in Delhi, the study states.</p>

<p>The wind carries pollution from Punjab and Haryana to Delhi 81 per cent of the times, based on the wind trajectory for October 2023, the study notes.</p>

<p>"Air pollution in Delhi is again hovering in the severe to emergency category with AQI levels crossing 400. Our analysis shows that the delicate balance of wind speed, year-round air pollution, and seasonal stubble burning all have a role to play in creating this annual cocktail of noxious gases. 81% of the wind in Delhi these days is from Punjab and Haryana,” Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate Trends, said.</p>

<p>“While the farm fires data from Punjab and Haryana reveals a substantial reduction by 47.8% and 38.04% respectively, against data for October 2022, but since volume of wind from the region is so high, it brings the undesirable impact of heavy pollution,” she added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-to-reintroduce-odd-even-scheme-to-combat-severe-levels-of-pollution-655752">Delhi to reintroduce odd-even scheme to combat severe levels of pollution</a></p>

<p>“We can also clearly see the meteorological impacts with wind breeze having a big role to play in combination with local sources- construction dust, traffic pollution and small scale industries,” she said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-pollution-capitals-aqi-stands-above-450-in-critical-category-cm-calls-for-high-level-meeting-655579">Delhi's air 'critical', with many NCR areas recording AQI at 999, CM holds high-level meeting</a></p>

<p>She said that the government must keep a year-round check on polluting sources of power plants, industries, traffic and construction</p>

<p>“Also rainfall, wind speed and temperatures impact regional and local air pollution levels. Emissions from human-induced activities have to be controlled strictly at source to reduce the influence of meteorology on the national capital's&nbsp;air&nbsp;quality," Khosla added.</p>


Smog in Delhi during the winter season has become an annual affair. Despite policy interventions and immense debate over the years, there have been no signs of improvement in the kind of air the people breathe in the national capital.

Smog in Delhi during the winter season has become an annual affair. Despite policy interventions and immense debate over the years, there have been no signs of improvement in the kind of air the people breathe in the national capital. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. Smoke from farmers burning crop stubble, vehicle exhaust and factory emissions combine to form a toxic concoction that remains stranded in the lower part of the atmosphere during the winter season. Out of this, two causes have largely grabbed the limelight: stubble burning and Delhi’s cold temperature. Dip in stubble burning A new analysis done by Climate Trends, a Delhi-based research institute, has revealed that stubble burning—which largely takes place in the agricultural states of Punjab and Haryana—has actually seen a drop in the past two years. It has indicated that Delhi’s meteorology might have played a major part in Delhi breathing toxic smog this year. Using NASA Earth VIIRS data to count farm fires and wind and temperature profile data from CPCB reveal that there has been a 47.8 per cent reduction in farm fires in Punjab and a 38.04 per cent reduction in Haryana between 2022 and 2023 for the period Oct 1 to Nov 5. Of this, Sangrur district has performed better in Punjab with 46 per cent reduction, from 4,287 fire counts in 2022 to only 2,295 fire counts in 2023. Wind direction contributing to smog in Delhi? Analysing the wind trajectory data reveals a strong correlation between the wind direction originating from Punjab and Haryana and the resulting pollution levels in Delhi, the study states. The wind carries pollution from Punjab and Haryana to Delhi 81 per cent of the times, based on the wind trajectory for October 2023, the study notes. "Air pollution in Delhi is again hovering in the severe to emergency category with AQI levels crossing 400. Our analysis shows that the delicate balance of wind speed, year-round air pollution, and seasonal stubble burning all have a role to play in creating this annual cocktail of noxious gases. 81% of the wind in Delhi these days is from Punjab and Haryana,” Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate Trends, said. “While the farm fires data from Punjab and Haryana reveals a substantial reduction by 47.8% and 38.04% respectively, against data for October 2022, but since volume of wind from the region is so high, it brings the undesirable impact of heavy pollution,” she added. Also read | Delhi to reintroduce odd-even scheme to combat severe levels of pollution “We can also clearly see the meteorological impacts with wind breeze having a big role to play in combination with local sources- construction dust, traffic pollution and small scale industries,” she said. Also read | Delhi's air 'critical', with many NCR areas recording AQI at 999, CM holds high-level meeting She said that the government must keep a year-round check on polluting sources of power plants, industries, traffic and construction “Also rainfall, wind speed and temperatures impact regional and local air pollution levels. Emissions from human-induced activities have to be controlled strictly at source to reduce the influence of meteorology on the national capital's air quality," Khosla added.

Is stubble burning the sole reason for Delhi’s poor air quality? A new study reveals otherwise

<p>Delhi has witnessed a slight improvement in air quality, transitioning to the 'very poor' category following increased surface winds on Monday. This slight positive shift happens after five consecutive days of air quality being in the ‘severe’ category.</p>

<p>At 7 am today (Nov 7), the average 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 395 (very poor), in contrast to the 421 (severe) recorded at 4 pm on Monday (Nov 6). The heightened surface winds, combined with measures enacted under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), have played a role in enhancing&nbsp;air quality in the national capital.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-season-kicks-off-in-india-as-chhattisgarh-and-mizoram-go-to-polls-655922">Election season kicks off in India as Chhattisgarh and Mizoram go to polls</a></p>

<p><strong>Contributing factors</strong></p>

<p>Officials project wind speeds of 8-10 km/hr in the afternoon, facilitating further dispersion of pollutants. The alteration in wind direction from northwesterly to southeasterly on Monday, influenced by a western disturbance affecting northwest India between November 7 to10, has been a significant contributing factor. According to an IMD official, this change, coupled with variable wind direction, is expected to gradually increase wind speeds from Tuesday afternoon.</p>

<p><strong>Measures taken by the Delhi government&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The AQI exceeded 400 for the first time this season last Thursday, maintaining a 'severe' status since 5 pm until now. In response to the escalating air quality concerns, the Delhi government has reinstated the odd-even scheme from November 13 to 20, as announced after an emergency meeting led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.</p>

<p>The scheme aims to mitigate vehicular emissions, particularly post-Diwali on November 12. Additionally, physical classes for all grades, excluding classes 10 and 12, have been suspended until November 10, with the provision for online classes during this period. A decision on permitting 50% of government employees to work from home will be determined at a later stage.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-one-crpf-personnel-deployed-on-election-duty-in-chhattisgarh-injured-in-ied-blast-655942">India: One CRPF personnel deployed on election duty in Chhattisgarh injured in IED blast</a></p>

<p>Real-time IMD data reveals improved visibility, recorded at approximately 1,100 meters at 7 am today, compared to 400 metres at the same time on Monday. The air quality had reached its peak at 454 on Sunday at 4 pm, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke stage 4 of GRAP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stage 4 restrictions centre on diesel vehicles, encompassing a ban on the entry of non-BS-VI diesel light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi. Moreover, trucks are barred from entering Delhi, and the movement of diesel Medium Goods Vehicles (MGV) and heavy goods vehicles (HGV) is restricted. Linear construction projects have also been temporarily halted under this category.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

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

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

<p>Ahead of Diwali, the Delhi government on Monday (September 11) re-imposed a ban on all firecrackers, due to the rise in pollution levels in winter when the air quality reaches hazardous levels, said the Indian capital city’s environment minister. India will be celebrating the festival of Diwali in mid-November this year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the Delhi govt restricting?</strong></h2>

<p>“Manufacturing, storage, sale, online delivery and bursting of any type of firecrackers is completely prohibited in Delhi,” said Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, during a press conference. The police have also been instructed to issue a circular on behalf of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) that no licence will be issued, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-anti-pollution-body-revamps-action-plan-to-combat-air-quality-in-delhi-ncr-620694">India's anti-pollution body revamps action-plan to combat air quality in Delhi-NCR</a></strong></p>

<p>This comes as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided that firecrackers should be banned on the occasion of Diwali to control pollution, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move is aimed at controlling air pollution which typically peaks across the Indian capital city in December and January due to a range of factors.</p>

<p>“Celebrating festivals is important, but equally important is caring for the environment. That’s why we have made this decision in Delhi for the last 2 years, and the people of Delhi are supportive,” said Rai.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pollution in Delhi during winter</strong></h2>

<p>During winter, smoke from hundreds of firecrackers that light up the sky during the festival usually leaves the city shrouded in toxic haze for days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is in addition to vehicular and industrial emissions as well as pollution from stubble burning in neighbouring regions, which are made worse as colder air traps all of these pollutants.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-new-delhis-air-quality-commission-issues-revised-advisory-620857">India: New Delhi's air quality commission issues revised advisory</a></strong></p>

<p>In a bid to control some of the pollution, the Delhi government has been imposing a ban on all types of firecrackers for the past three years, warning of jail time and fines for those flouting the orders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rai also noted a positive trend in Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) for the year from January to August but expressed concerns about the upcoming months.</p>

<p>The Delhi government is also set to meet with experts this week to draw up a winter action plan to combat pollution, the spike of which has prompted school closures and public health emergency declarations over the years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-delhi-had-cleanest-air-day-of-the-year-on-second-day-of-summit-634756">G20: Delhi had cleanest air day of the year on second day of summit</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian capital also reported its best air quality since 2015 last year.</p>

<p>The G20 Summit host city, on the second day of the meetings on Sunday (Sep 10), said that the average AQI stood at 45, falling within the ‘good’ category, which was the best recorded since October 10, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The improved air quality is being attributed to the incessant rainfall and various restrictions imposed during the G20 summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Ahead of Diwali, the Delhi government on Monday (September 11) re-imposed a ban on all firecrackers, due to the rise in pollution levels in winter when the air quality reaches hazardous levels, said the Indian capital city’s environment minister.

Ahead of Diwali, the Delhi government on Monday (September 11) re-imposed a ban on all firecrackers, due to the rise in pollution levels in winter when the air quality reaches hazardous levels, said the Indian capital city’s environment minister. India will be celebrating the festival of Diwali in mid-November this year. What is the Delhi govt restricting? “Manufacturing, storage, sale, online delivery and bursting of any type of firecrackers is completely prohibited in Delhi,” said Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, during a press conference. The police have also been instructed to issue a circular on behalf of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) that no licence will be issued, he added. ALSO READ | India's anti-pollution body revamps action-plan to combat air quality in Delhi-NCR This comes as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided that firecrackers should be banned on the occasion of Diwali to control pollution, he said. The move is aimed at controlling air pollution which typically peaks across the Indian capital city in December and January due to a range of factors. “Celebrating festivals is important, but equally important is caring for the environment. That’s why we have made this decision in Delhi for the last 2 years, and the people of Delhi are supportive,” said Rai. Pollution in Delhi during winter During winter, smoke from hundreds of firecrackers that light up the sky during the festival usually leaves the city shrouded in toxic haze for days. This is in addition to vehicular and industrial emissions as well as pollution from stubble burning in neighbouring regions, which are made worse as colder air traps all of these pollutants. ALSO WATCH | India: New Delhi's air quality commission issues revised advisory In a bid to control some of the pollution, the Delhi government has been imposing a ban on all types of firecrackers for the past three years, warning of jail time and fines for those flouting the orders. Rai also noted a positive trend in Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) for the year from January to August but expressed concerns about the upcoming months. The Delhi government is also set to meet with experts this week to draw up a winter action plan to combat pollution, the spike of which has prompted school closures and public health emergency declarations over the years. ALSO READ | G20: Delhi had cleanest air day of the year on second day of summit The Indian capital also reported its best air quality since 2015 last year. The G20 Summit host city, on the second day of the meetings on Sunday (Sep 10), said that the average AQI stood at 45, falling within the ‘good’ category, which was the best recorded since October 10, 2022. The improved air quality is being attributed to the incessant rainfall and various restrictions imposed during the G20 summit. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Delhi govt renews ban on firecrackers to combat pollution

<p>Delhi government announced a number of precautionary steps to combat the pollution crisis in India’s national capital. Primary schools in Delhi would be closed from Saturday, November 5, whereas for secondary and higher secondary school students, outdoor activities would remain restricted. At the same time, 50 percent of government staff would be working from home, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said. The entry of trucks, too, has been banned till next order, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development comes after air quality monitors across Delhi-NCR showed ‘Severe’ readings this week, prompting people to demand pollution-control measures. Jahangirpuri emerged as the most polluted place in the capital with AQI over 700.</p>

<p><strong>Odd-Even traffic rationing measures may come back</strong></p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that his government is also considering bringing back odd-even traffic rationing measures for private vehicles in the national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-capital-delhi-suspends-construction-activities-as-air-quality-set-to-worsen-529890">Indian capital Delhi bad air 'crime against humanity', graded response action plan launched</a></strong></p>

<p>“Delhi government is also considering to adopt the odd-even policy in Delhi. Even in Punjab, steps are being taken to avoid stubble burning,” Kejriwal, who was also joined by Punjab Chief Minister and his fellow Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann, said.</p>

<p><strong>Look at the air quality of other states: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal</strong></p>

<p>Kejriwal said air quality in various cities across north India was severe. The Delhi government was not solely responsible and the Centre needed to step in and take measures, he said.</p>

<p>“We have to find solutions, instead of blaming each other. Punjab and Delhi solely aren’t responsible for pollution. Look at the air quality index of other states also,” he said, calling for a joint meeting of chief ministers to find solutions.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court will on November 10 is scheduled to hear a plea seeking measures to reduce air pollution in Delhi and National Capital Region.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Delhi government announced a number of precautionary steps to combat the pollution crisis in India’s national capital. Primary schools in Delhi would be closed from Saturday, November 5, whereas for secondary and higher secondary school students, outdoor activities would remain restricted.

Delhi government announced a number of precautionary steps to combat the pollution crisis in India’s national capital. Primary schools in Delhi would be closed from Saturday, November 5, whereas for secondary and higher secondary school students, outdoor activities would remain restricted. At the same time, 50 percent of government staff would be working from home, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said. The entry of trucks, too, has been banned till next order, he added. The development comes after air quality monitors across Delhi-NCR showed ‘Severe’ readings this week, prompting people to demand pollution-control measures. Jahangirpuri emerged as the most polluted place in the capital with AQI over 700. Odd-Even traffic rationing measures may come back Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that his government is also considering bringing back odd-even traffic rationing measures for private vehicles in the national capital. ALSO READ | Indian capital Delhi bad air 'crime against humanity', graded response action plan launched “Delhi government is also considering to adopt the odd-even policy in Delhi. Even in Punjab, steps are being taken to avoid stubble burning,” Kejriwal, who was also joined by Punjab Chief Minister and his fellow Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann, said. Look at the air quality of other states: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Kejriwal said air quality in various cities across north India was severe. The Delhi government was not solely responsible and the Centre needed to step in and take measures, he said. “We have to find solutions, instead of blaming each other. Punjab and Delhi solely aren’t responsible for pollution. Look at the air quality index of other states also,” he said, calling for a joint meeting of chief ministers to find solutions. The Supreme Court will on November 10 is scheduled to hear a plea seeking measures to reduce air pollution in Delhi and National Capital Region. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Delhi pollution crisis: Primary schools closed, odd-even traffic rationing may come back

<p>Priyanka Chopra's latest post on Instagram is proof that Bollywood celebrities are equally affected by climate change. As the actor is shooting for her next 'The White Tiger'&nbsp;in Delhi, she revealed how hard it is for her to shoot in such poor air quality.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, she posted a picture of her with a mask on her face and expressed concern for Delhiites and especially those who are homeless.&nbsp;"It's so hard to shoot here right now that I can't even imagine what it must be like to live here under these conditions," the actor captioned the picture.<br />
<br />
Adding how blessed she is with air purifiers&nbsp;and masks, the 37-year old added, "Pray for the homeless. Be safe, everyone ". Delhi is witnessing a dip in air quality with several areas showing the air quality in the severe&nbsp;category.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4aSEX3nffs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4aSEX3nffs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4aSEX3nffs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4aSEX3nffs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Shoot days for #thewhitetiger. It’s so hard to shoot here right now that I can’t even imagine what it must be like to live here under these conditions. We r blessed with air purifiers and masks. Pray for the homeless. Be safe everyone. #airpollution #delhipollution😷 #weneedsolutions #righttobreathe</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/priyankachopra/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Priyanka Chopra Jonas</a> (@priyankachopra) on <time datetime="2019-11-03T16:52:27+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 3, 2019 at 8:52am PST</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The capital and its adjoining areas have been covered in a thick blanket of smog due to rising pollution from the past few weeks. The situation is such that public health emergency has also been issued by EPCA in the wake of the deteriorating air quality.<br />
<br />
On the work front, the 'Mary Kom'&nbsp;actor is all set to be heard in Disney's upcoming feature<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/priyanka-and-parineeti-chopra-to-voice-elsa-and-anna-in-frozen-2-hindi-version-256701"> 'Frozen 2'&nbsp;as Elsa</a>. The film also has her younger cousin Parineeti, lending voice to the character of Elsa`s younger sister, Anna. It is slated to release on November 22.</p>


Priyanka Chopra's latest post on Instagram is proof that Bollywood celebrities are equally affected by climate change. As the actor is shooting for her next 'The White Tiger' in Delhi, she revealed how hard it is for her to shoot in such poor air quality.

Priyanka Chopra's latest post on Instagram is proof that Bollywood celebrities are equally affected by climate change. As the actor is shooting for her next 'The White Tiger' in Delhi, she revealed how hard it is for her to shoot in such poor air quality. On Sunday, she posted a picture of her with a mask on her face and expressed concern for Delhiites and especially those who are homeless. "It's so hard to shoot here right now that I can't even imagine what it must be like to live here under these conditions," the actor captioned the picture. Adding how blessed she is with air purifiers and masks, the 37-year old added, "Pray for the homeless. Be safe, everyone ". Delhi is witnessing a dip in air quality with several areas showing the air quality in the severe category. View this post on Instagram Shoot days for #thewhitetiger. It’s so hard to shoot here right now that I can’t even imagine what it must be like to live here under these conditions. We r blessed with air purifiers and masks. Pray for the homeless. Be safe everyone. #airpollution #delhipollution😷 #weneedsolutions #righttobreathe A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) on Nov 3, 2019 at 8:52am PST × The capital and its adjoining areas have been covered in a thick blanket of smog due to rising pollution from the past few weeks. The situation is such that public health emergency has also been issued by EPCA in the wake of the deteriorating air quality. On the work front, the 'Mary Kom' actor is all set to be heard in Disney's upcoming feature 'Frozen 2' as Elsa. The film also has her younger cousin Parineeti, lending voice to the character of Elsa`s younger sister, Anna. It is slated to release on November 22.

Priyanka Chopra begins shoot for 'The White Tiger' in Delhi: It's hard to shoot here

India&#39;s top court today lifted a ban on the registration of new high-end diesel vehicles in the national capital, New Delhi after carmakers said they had been left stranded with thousands of unsold sport utility vehicles (SUVs).<br />
<br />
Car manufacturers would, however, have to pay a one per cent green tax to compensate for polluting the city&#39;s air, the Supreme Court said in its ruling which would impact vehicles with engine capacity of two litres or more, typical of SUVs, jeeps and other luxury cars.<br />
<br />
&quot;Deposit of one per cent levy alone shall entitle manufacturers or dealers and purchasers to have the car registered in Delhi,&quot; a bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur ruled.&nbsp;The court also said that it would decide at a later date on whether to impose the green tax on diesel vehicles with smaller engines.<br />
<br />
India&#39;s courts have been pushing authorities to act over the filthy air in Delhi, which has been rated as one of the world&#39;s most polluted cities in surveys.<br />
<br />
Last December, the Supreme Court temporarily banned the sale of large diesel cars in an attempt to clean up the capital&#39;s toxic air.&nbsp;More than 23 per cent of the cars on Delhi roads run on diesel, according to the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment think tank.<br />
<br />
Friday&#39;s verdict came after an appeal by auto giant Mercedes-Benz and an association of auto-makers who said the ban was impacting their sales adversely.<br />
<br />
Shares of Mahindra and Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki India ended the day higher following the latest ruling.<br />
<br />
It may also be recalled that India&#39;s environment court last month ordered all diesel vehicles older than 10 years be deregistered in the national capital.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>India&#39;s courts have been pushing authorities to act over the filthy air in Delhi, which has been rated as one of the world&#39;s most polluted cities in surveys.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
The national green tribunal (NGT) directed Delhi&#39;s regional transport office to cancel registrations immediately, after police complained of struggling to force the affected cars off the roads.<br />
<br />
Delhi&#39;s dangerous smog levels have been ranked &nbsp;as among the worst &nbsp;globally by the World Health Organization (WHO).&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Delhi government has announced a string of measures including driving restrictions in January and in April that took around a million cars off the roads for two weeks. &nbsp;But with nearly 10 million vehicles on Delhi&#39;s roads, campaigners say much more needs to be done.<br />
<br />
A WHO study of 3,000 cities released in May placed Delhi in 11th position based on annual average concentration of PM2.5 particles.&nbsp;These particles, less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, are linked to higher rates of chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and heart disease as they settle deep in the lungs and can pass into the bloodstream.<br />
<br />
<br />
(AFP)&nbsp;

'Deposit of 1% levy alone shall entitle manufacturers or dealers and purchasers to have the car registered in Delhi,' the bench said

India's top court today lifted a ban on the registration of new high-end diesel vehicles in the national capital, New Delhi after carmakers said they had been left stranded with thousands of unsold sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Car manufacturers would, however, have to pay a one per cent green tax to compensate for polluting the city's air, the Supreme Court said in its ruling which would impact vehicles with engine capacity of two litres or more, typical of SUVs, jeeps and other luxury cars. "Deposit of one per cent levy alone shall entitle manufacturers or dealers and purchasers to have the car registered in Delhi," a bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur ruled. The court also said that it would decide at a later date on whether to impose the green tax on diesel vehicles with smaller engines. India's courts have been pushing authorities to act over the filthy air in Delhi, which has been rated as one of the world's most polluted cities in surveys. Last December, the Supreme Court temporarily banned the sale of large diesel cars in an attempt to clean up the capital's toxic air. More than 23 per cent of the cars on Delhi roads run on diesel, according to the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment think tank. Friday's verdict came after an appeal by auto giant Mercedes-Benz and an association of auto-makers who said the ban was impacting their sales adversely. Shares of Mahindra and Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki India ended the day higher following the latest ruling. It may also be recalled that India's environment court last month ordered all diesel vehicles older than 10 years be deregistered in the national capital. India's courts have been pushing authorities to act over the filthy air in Delhi, which has been rated as one of the world's most polluted cities in surveys. The national green tribunal (NGT) directed Delhi's regional transport office to cancel registrations immediately, after police complained of struggling to force the affected cars off the roads. Delhi's dangerous smog levels have been ranked as among the worst globally by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Delhi government has announced a string of measures including driving restrictions in January and in April that took around a million cars off the roads for two weeks. But with nearly 10 million vehicles on Delhi's roads, campaigners say much more needs to be done. A WHO study of 3,000 cities released in May placed Delhi in 11th position based on annual average concentration of PM2.5 particles. These particles, less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, are linked to higher rates of chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and heart disease as they settle deep in the lungs and can pass into the bloodstream. (AFP)

Top court grants reprieve to new, large diesel vehicles in India's national capital, but with 'green tax'

delhi-pollution-crisis

Delhi Pollution Crisis, News on Delhi Pollution Crisis, stories on Delhi Pollution Crisis, articles on Delhi Pollution Crisis, Delhi Pollution Crisis stories at Wion, Delhi Pollution Crisis news, Delhi Pollution Crisis latest news

delhi pollution-crisis