Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday administered the municipal corporations to execute a ban on burning garbage in urban areas.&nbsp;

With current pollution levels increasing in the national capital, Adityanath has also ordered to develop &#39;artificial rain&#39; with the help of latest technology in Lucknow, taking Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur on board to carry out the procedure, according to reports.&nbsp;

He has also directed to install several water sprinklers on roads and execute a ban on burning crop residue, reports said.&nbsp;

The UP CM has decided to organize campaigns to create awareness on pollution and preventive steps in rural areas through FM and community radio which will run until 15th January.&nbsp;

Other measures included: suspension of work in about 123 industrial units, cancelled registration of vehicles which are over 10 years old and also fines of over 200 vehicles for violating pollution norms - which were earlier directed by&nbsp;NGT, according to reports.&nbsp;

The practice of burning of crop residue by farmers of the two states of Punjab and Haryana has been blamed for the toxic smog enveloping the region every winter.

Delhi is said to be the world&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-children-are-inhaling-cigarette-the-moment-they-are-born-24287">most polluted capital</a> according to the WHO, exceeding pollution levels in Beijing.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Delhi is said to be the world's most polluted capital according to the WHO, exceeding pollution levels in Beijing.? ?

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday administered the municipal corporations to execute a ban on burning garbage in urban areas. With current pollution levels increasing in the national capital, Adityanath has also ordered to develop 'artificial rain' with the help of latest technology in Lucknow, taking Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur on board to carry out the procedure, according to reports. He has also directed to install several water sprinklers on roads and execute a ban on burning crop residue, reports said. The UP CM has decided to organize campaigns to create awareness on pollution and preventive steps in rural areas through FM and community radio which will run until 15th January. Other measures included: suspension of work in about 123 industrial units, cancelled registration of vehicles which are over 10 years old and also fines of over 200 vehicles for violating pollution norms - which were earlier directed by NGT, according to reports. The practice of burning of crop residue by farmers of the two states of Punjab and Haryana has been blamed for the toxic smog enveloping the region every winter. Delhi is said to be the world's most polluted capital according to the WHO, exceeding pollution levels in Beijing.

Adityanath's anti-pollution plan: Ban garbage burning, implement 'artificial rain'

Authorities in Delhi have over Rs 1,500 crore, collected as green fund to combat air pollution, lying largely unused, even as the national capital struggles to ward off a toxic haze.

The lion&#39;s share of the amount - Rs 1,003 crore (till November 10) - comes from an Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) imposed by the Supreme Court in 2015 on trucks entering Delhi while the rest is made up of cess on every litre of diesel sold, in effect since 2008.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has amassed Rs 62 crore as one per cent cess from dealers selling diesel cars with engine capacity of 2000cc+ and above in the Delhi-NCR region following a directive of the Supreme Court in August last year.

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) collects the ECC and hands over the amount to the city&#39;s transport department every Friday, Usman Nasim, a researcher with the Centre For Science and Environment (CSE), said.

The cess on diesel was announced by the Sheila Dikshit government in December 2007 as part of its efforts to control air pollution due to vehicular emissions.

The corpus, known as &#39;Air Ambience Fund&#39;, is maintained by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). Over the years, it has assumed a substantial size and stands at around Rs 500 crore currently, Nasim said.

When contacted, a senior transport department official of the Delhi government said that only yesterday (on Tuesday) a decision has been taken to use the fund to subsidise the procurement of electric buses.

&quot;We will use the fund for electric mobility. E-buses are very costly upfront and need to be subsidised in the first phase. Subsequently, running them does not entail much expenditure,&quot; the official said.

However, it could not be immediately confirmed as to how many electric buses the government is planning to buy and the amount required to do so.

Moreover, around Rs 120 crore from the ECC corpus will also be used to install radio-frequency identification devices (RFID) on trucks for effective and credible collection of levy and the ECC, according to a 2016 Supreme Court order.

The CPCB plans to use a part of its green fund, collected as the diesel cess, for conducting studies on improvement and management of air quality in the region, while around Rs 2.5 crore is being used in setting up pollution monitoring centres across NCR.

The apex pollution regulator recently invited Expression of Interest (EOI) and proposals for such studies, which, it said will lay major emphasis on boosting its pollution monitoring infrastructure.

According to the EOI document, the projects will have to focus on areas such as the health impact of air pollution and on possible steps to create awareness among the masses by installing LED panels displaying pollution levels among others.

The lion's share of the amount Rs 1,003 crore (till November 10) comes from an environment compensation charge (ECC)

Authorities in Delhi have over Rs 1,500 crore, collected as green fund to combat air pollution, lying largely unused, even as the national capital struggles to ward off a toxic haze. The lion's share of the amount - Rs 1,003 crore (till November 10) - comes from an Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) imposed by the Supreme Court in 2015 on trucks entering Delhi while the rest is made up of cess on every litre of diesel sold, in effect since 2008. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has amassed Rs 62 crore as one per cent cess from dealers selling diesel cars with engine capacity of 2000cc+ and above in the Delhi-NCR region following a directive of the Supreme Court in August last year. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) collects the ECC and hands over the amount to the city's transport department every Friday, Usman Nasim, a researcher with the Centre For Science and Environment (CSE), said. The cess on diesel was announced by the Sheila Dikshit government in December 2007 as part of its efforts to control air pollution due to vehicular emissions. The corpus, known as 'Air Ambience Fund', is maintained by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). Over the years, it has assumed a substantial size and stands at around Rs 500 crore currently, Nasim said. When contacted, a senior transport department official of the Delhi government said that only yesterday (on Tuesday) a decision has been taken to use the fund to subsidise the procurement of electric buses. "We will use the fund for electric mobility. E-buses are very costly upfront and need to be subsidised in the first phase. Subsequently, running them does not entail much expenditure," the official said. However, it could not be immediately confirmed as to how many electric buses the government is planning to buy and the amount required to do so. Moreover, around Rs 120 crore from the ECC corpus will also be used to install radio-frequency identification devices (RFID) on trucks for effective and credible collection of levy and the ECC, according to a 2016 Supreme Court order. The CPCB plans to use a part of its green fund, collected as the diesel cess, for conducting studies on improvement and management of air quality in the region, while around Rs 2.5 crore is being used in setting up pollution monitoring centres across NCR. The apex pollution regulator recently invited Expression of Interest (EOI) and proposals for such studies, which, it said will lay major emphasis on boosting its pollution monitoring infrastructure. According to the EOI document, the projects will have to focus on areas such as the health impact of air pollution and on possible steps to create awareness among the masses by installing LED panels displaying pollution levels among others.

Over Rs 1,500 crore green fund lying largely unused in smog-hit Delhi

The deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR means that babies in the region are inhaling a cigarette the moment they are born.

&quot;The first breath a child takes after birth makes him an &#39;infant smoker&rsquo;. All of us are so-called non-smokers because we are already inhaling so much of polluted air,&rdquo; said Dr Arvind Kumar, an oncologist.

Parents often choose an auspicious day for the birth of their child, and often plan it along with their doctors. But in Delhi-NCR, that day is governed by levels of pollution.

Doctors say couples who have to undergo caesarean delivery, often request them to plan the surgery on days when there is no, or very less pollution. This demand shot up manifold during Diwali last month when air pollution levels were extremely high.

&ldquo;Pollution levels were off the charts during Diwali season, so we asked the doctor to delay the surgery. We are being extra cautious since the time the baby has come home. We&rsquo;ve bought air purifiers, sealed our windows,&rdquo; said Vijaya Saxena whose granddaughter was born just a week ago.

Doctors say when a baby born in Delhi-NCR takes the first breath, he/she inhales toxic smog equivalent to 10-12 cigarettes.

&ldquo;We bought an air purifier before the birth of our daughter because there is so much pollution that children&rsquo;s lungs are not developed properly. Earlier, people used to buy clothes before the birth of a child, now that is replaced with air purifier,&rdquo; said Deepa Gupta, mother of an infant daughter.

Children inhale double the amount of air an adult does. So they are at higher risk of developing respiratory problems. According to UNICEF, the biggest cause of infant mortality is pneumonia which is directly linked to air pollution.

&ldquo;Children who are growing in a polluted environment, there lung capacity is reduced. And there are high chances that he will develop asthma,&quot; said Dr Ankit Parakh, child lung specialist.

A research done by Berkeley Earth in China in the year 2015 showed that people are inhaling smoke equivalent to 1.5 cigarettes. In contrast, an Indian inhaled smoke equivalent to 25 cigarettes.

The pollutant which has emerged as the most lethal killer in the polluted air is PM2.5, the particulate matter which is linked to most of the respiratory issues.&nbsp;PM 2.5 is nasty because it can get stuck in the lungs and cause or aggravate asthma and other long-term health problems.

WHO guidelines call for no more than 10 micrograms of PM 2.5 per cubic metre of air. In most parts of Delhi today, the level is close to 400 calling for urgent need to take steps to immediately curb pollution.

Parents often choose an auspicious day for the birth of their child, and often plan it along with their doctors. But in Delhi-NCR, that day is governed by levels of pollution.

The deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR means that babies in the region are inhaling a cigarette the moment they are born. "The first breath a child takes after birth makes him an 'infant smoker’. All of us are so-called non-smokers because we are already inhaling so much of polluted air,” said Dr Arvind Kumar, an oncologist. Parents often choose an auspicious day for the birth of their child, and often plan it along with their doctors. But in Delhi-NCR, that day is governed by levels of pollution. Doctors say couples who have to undergo caesarean delivery, often request them to plan the surgery on days when there is no, or very less pollution. This demand shot up manifold during Diwali last month when air pollution levels were extremely high. “Pollution levels were off the charts during Diwali season, so we asked the doctor to delay the surgery. We are being extra cautious since the time the baby has come home. We’ve bought air purifiers, sealed our windows,” said Vijaya Saxena whose granddaughter was born just a week ago. Doctors say when a baby born in Delhi-NCR takes the first breath, he/she inhales toxic smog equivalent to 10-12 cigarettes. “We bought an air purifier before the birth of our daughter because there is so much pollution that children’s lungs are not developed properly. Earlier, people used to buy clothes before the birth of a child, now that is replaced with air purifier,” said Deepa Gupta, mother of an infant daughter. Children inhale double the amount of air an adult does. So they are at higher risk of developing respiratory problems. According to UNICEF, the biggest cause of infant mortality is pneumonia which is directly linked to air pollution. “Children who are growing in a polluted environment, there lung capacity is reduced. And there are high chances that he will develop asthma," said Dr Ankit Parakh, child lung specialist. A research done by Berkeley Earth in China in the year 2015 showed that people are inhaling smoke equivalent to 1.5 cigarettes. In contrast, an Indian inhaled smoke equivalent to 25 cigarettes. The pollutant which has emerged as the most lethal killer in the polluted air is PM2.5, the particulate matter which is linked to most of the respiratory issues. PM 2.5 is nasty because it can get stuck in the lungs and cause or aggravate asthma and other long-term health problems. WHO guidelines call for no more than 10 micrograms of PM 2.5 per cubic metre of air. In most parts of Delhi today, the level is close to 400 calling for urgent need to take steps to immediately curb pollution.

Delhi pollution: Children are inhaling 'cigarette-like air' the moment they are born

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday met Haryana chief minister (CM) Manohar Lal Khattar over the air pollution in Delhi resulting from stubble burning.

In a joint statement, the two chief ministers described the meeting as &quot;fruitful&quot; and said they had resolved to &quot;to put in sustained efforts in pursuance of the jointly identified action points in the coming days, weeks and months.&quot;

The statement&nbsp;read, &quot;We the chief ministers of Delhi and Haryana are happy to have had a very fruitful meeting at Chandigarh today. We recognised our deep and shared concern over the recent episode of heavy smog in the National Capital Region. We agreed upon the need for action on many measures aimed at preventing its re-occurrence in the winter of 2018. During discussions we agreed that the serious health risks to which such episodes of smog expose one and all require concrete and quick action on a number of fronts.

In today&#39;s meeting, we covered crop residue burning and vehicular pollution issue. We resolve to put in sustained efforts in pursuance of the jointly identified action points in the coming days, weeks and months. We look forward to covering other sources of air and water pollution in our future discussions.&quot;

The Delhi chief minister was accompanied by his environment minister and environment secretary.

Kejriwal had earlier said that Mr Khattar had called him to Chandigarh today since he was very busy and he could not meet him in Delhi.

In a letter to Mr Kejriwal on November 10, Khattar had asked Kejriwal what steps he had taken to end stubble burning by farmers in areas near the national capital.

The Delhi chief minister had sought a meeting with his counterparts from Haryana and Punjab to find a solution to stubble burning in neighbouring states, a major source of high pollution levels in Delhi during winters. He had earlier said that the Centre, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi governments should keep political differences aside and come together to find a permanent solution to stubble burning.

The practice of burning of crop residue by farmers of the two states of Punjab and Haryana has been blamed for the toxic smog enveloping the region every winter.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarinder-singh-againt-refused-to-meet-kerjiwal-24223">Yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh again refused to meet Mr Kejriwal, asking him not to &quot;politicise&quot; the serious matter</a>.

He alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief was &quot;trying to divert&quot; public attention from his government&#39;s &quot;failure&quot; to check the problem of pollution in Delhi, as exposed in the National Green Tribunal&#39;s response to the &quot;ill-conceived&quot; odd-even scheme.

He also said there was no point in meeting Kejriwal and asserted that stubble burning was an issue to be resolved by the Centre.

 
&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the two chief ministers said they had resolved to 'to put in sustained efforts in pursuance of the jointly identified action points in the coming days, weeks and months'

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday met Haryana chief minister (CM) Manohar Lal Khattar over the air pollution in Delhi resulting from stubble burning. In a joint statement, the two chief ministers described the meeting as "fruitful" and said they had resolved to "to put in sustained efforts in pursuance of the jointly identified action points in the coming days, weeks and months." The statement read, "We the chief ministers of Delhi and Haryana are happy to have had a very fruitful meeting at Chandigarh today. We recognised our deep and shared concern over the recent episode of heavy smog in the National Capital Region. We agreed upon the need for action on many measures aimed at preventing its re-occurrence in the winter of 2018. During discussions we agreed that the serious health risks to which such episodes of smog expose one and all require concrete and quick action on a number of fronts. In today's meeting, we covered crop residue burning and vehicular pollution issue. We resolve to put in sustained efforts in pursuance of the jointly identified action points in the coming days, weeks and months. We look forward to covering other sources of air and water pollution in our future discussions." The Delhi chief minister was accompanied by his environment minister and environment secretary. Kejriwal had earlier said that Mr Khattar had called him to Chandigarh today since he was very busy and he could not meet him in Delhi. In a letter to Mr Kejriwal on November 10, Khattar had asked Kejriwal what steps he had taken to end stubble burning by farmers in areas near the national capital. The Delhi chief minister had sought a meeting with his counterparts from Haryana and Punjab to find a solution to stubble burning in neighbouring states, a major source of high pollution levels in Delhi during winters. He had earlier said that the Centre, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi governments should keep political differences aside and come together to find a permanent solution to stubble burning. The practice of burning of crop residue by farmers of the two states of Punjab and Haryana has been blamed for the toxic smog enveloping the region every winter. Yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh again refused to meet Mr Kejriwal, asking him not to "politicise" the serious matter. He alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief was "trying to divert" public attention from his government's "failure" to check the problem of pollution in Delhi, as exposed in the National Green Tribunal's response to the "ill-conceived" odd-even scheme. He also said there was no point in meeting Kejriwal and asserted that stubble burning was an issue to be resolved by the Centre.

Delhi pollution: Kejriwal finally meets Haryana chief minister, says it was 'fruitful'

As many as 233 challans have been issued against defaulters from November 9 to November 13 for carrying out construction activities in south Delhi, the area&#39;s civic body said today.

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) in a statement said 135 challans were issued during the same period for burning of solid waste, garbage, dry leaves, plastic, and rubber.

The authorities had on November 8 ordered an immediate halt on civil construction works and banned the entry of trucks, except those carrying essential commodities, in the city as the Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA) announced that pollution levels have hit &#39;severe plus&#39; in the national capital.

&quot;Keeping in view the emerging severe smog and in compliance of the court directions, the SDMC has started taking action against the burning of solid waste, garbage, dry leaves, plastic, rubber, and construction activities,&quot; the statement said.

It said fine amounting to Rs 7 lakh was collected for the burning of waste and garbage, while Rs 1.16 crore was collected for challans issued for carrying out construction activities in south Delhi, the SDMC added.&nbsp;

Keeping in view the emerging severe smog and in compliance of the court directions, the SDMC has started taking action against the burning of solid waste, garbage, dry leaves, plastic, rubber, and construction activities

As many as 233 challans have been issued against defaulters from November 9 to November 13 for carrying out construction activities in south Delhi, the area's civic body said today. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) in a statement said 135 challans were issued during the same period for burning of solid waste, garbage, dry leaves, plastic, and rubber. The authorities had on November 8 ordered an immediate halt on civil construction works and banned the entry of trucks, except those carrying essential commodities, in the city as the Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA) announced that pollution levels have hit 'severe plus' in the national capital. "Keeping in view the emerging severe smog and in compliance of the court directions, the SDMC has started taking action against the burning of solid waste, garbage, dry leaves, plastic, rubber, and construction activities," the statement said. It said fine amounting to Rs 7 lakh was collected for the burning of waste and garbage, while Rs 1.16 crore was collected for challans issued for carrying out construction activities in south Delhi, the SDMC added.

Challans worth Rs 1.16 lakh issued for construction activities: South Delhi Municipal Corporation

Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has said Centre is ready to help Delhi government in tackling pollution, adding that odd-even car rationing scheme is not going to help.

&ldquo;The Delhi government should add electric buses in its transport fleet if it wants to curb pollution. The Centre is ready to help in every possible way,&rdquo; Gadkari said in a letter to Union environment minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.

In the letter, Gadkari suggested forming a panel of experts before deciding a course of action to combat pollution in Delhi. &ldquo;The odd-even scheme is not going to help,&rdquo; Gadkari said.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi governments on the petition on stubble burning and dust pollution.

Stating that it&#39;s an emergency situation, the Supreme Court sought expeditious action from the authorities.

The Delhi High Court had on November 9 issued a slew of directions to improve air quality of Delhi.

Calling it an &quot;emergency situation&quot;, the high court had asked the government to consider the option of &quot;cloud seeding&quot; to induce rainfall artificially, as an immediate step to bring down the dust and particulate matter in the atmosphere.

It had directed the Delhi government to seriously consider a ban on further construction in the city to the extent possible and implementing the &#39;odd-even&#39; vehicle usage scheme as a short term measure.

?The Delhi government should add electric buses in its transport fleet if it wants to curb pollution. The Centre is ready to help in every possible way,? Gadkari said in a letter to Union environment minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.

Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has said Centre is ready to help Delhi government in tackling pollution, adding that odd-even car rationing scheme is not going to help. “The Delhi government should add electric buses in its transport fleet if it wants to curb pollution. The Centre is ready to help in every possible way,” Gadkari said in a letter to Union environment minister Dr Harsh Vardhan. In the letter, Gadkari suggested forming a panel of experts before deciding a course of action to combat pollution in Delhi. “The odd-even scheme is not going to help,” Gadkari said. The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi governments on the petition on stubble burning and dust pollution. Stating that it's an emergency situation, the Supreme Court sought expeditious action from the authorities. The Delhi High Court had on November 9 issued a slew of directions to improve air quality of Delhi. Calling it an "emergency situation", the high court had asked the government to consider the option of "cloud seeding" to induce rainfall artificially, as an immediate step to bring down the dust and particulate matter in the atmosphere. It had directed the Delhi government to seriously consider a ban on further construction in the city to the extent possible and implementing the 'odd-even' vehicle usage scheme as a short term measure.

Odd-even won't help, Centre ready to step in: Nitin Gadkari on Delhi pollution

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has refused to meet Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to discuss the issue of air pollution, resulting from the burning of crop stubble.

Kejriwal tweeted Singh, asking for an appointment:&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capt_amarinder</a> Sir, I am coming to Chandigarh on Wed to meet Haryana CM. Would be grateful if u cud spare sometime to meet me. It is in collective interest
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/930284661867081729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Kerjiwal, who will be meeting Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Chandigarh on Wednesday had also had trouble meeting Khattar.&nbsp;

Kejriwal had asked to meet Khattar while the latter was in Delhi but Khattar had said he wouldn&#39;t have the time to do so in Delhi and that it would be better if they met in Chandigarh.&nbsp;

Amarinder Singh responded to Kejriwal&#39;s request for a meeting saying he failed to understand why the Delhi chief minister was &quot;trying to force his hand, knowing well that any such discussion would be meaningless and futile&quot;.&nbsp;

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I fail to understand why the Delhi chief minister is trying to force his hand, knowing well that any such discussion would be meaningless and futile: Captain Amarinder Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirPollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirPollution</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StubbleBurning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StubbleBurning</a> (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/hqsQ0rY174">pic.twitter.com/hqsQ0rY174</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/930433242074718208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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He added that Kejriwal should stop politicising the serious issue of stubble burning.

Amarinder also alleged the AAP leader was trying to divert public attention from his government&#39;s failure to check the problem of pollution in Delhi.

Delhi&#39;s pollution problem, he said, is the result mainly of urban pollution caused by &quot;mismanaged&quot; transport and &quot;unplanned&quot; industrial development.&nbsp;

Amarinder added that he does not have luxury time like Kejriwal and that he (Kejriwal) should focus his attention on resolving issues instead of wasting his time by holding useless discussions.&nbsp;

Amarinder had earlier also said there was no point in him meeting Kejriwal since the stubble burning issue would have to be resolved by the centre.

Amarinder&#39;s media advisor Raveen Thukral also put out a tweet, quoting the Punjab CM as saying to Kejriwal: &quot;Stop politicising the pollution issue, you know any meeting between us would be useless.&quot;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Stop politicising the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pollution</a> issue, you know any meeting between us would be useless, and in any case now that the apex court is also seized of the matter, let us leave it to them and the central govt to find long-term solutions: <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capt_amarinder</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a>
&mdash; RaveenMediaAdvPunCM (@RT_MediaAdvPbCM) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_MediaAdvPbCM/status/930417302444556288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The tweet added that the problem and solutions to it would be better left to the Supreme Court and the central government.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Amarinder said he failed to understand why the Delhi chief minister was 'trying to force his hand, knowing well that any such discussion would be meaningless and futile'

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has refused to meet Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to discuss the issue of air pollution, resulting from the burning of crop stubble. Kejriwal tweeted Singh, asking for an appointment: .@capt_amarinder Sir, I am coming to Chandigarh on Wed to meet Haryana CM. Would be grateful if u cud spare sometime to meet me. It is in collective interest — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 14, 2017 × Kerjiwal, who will be meeting Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Chandigarh on Wednesday had also had trouble meeting Khattar. Kejriwal had asked to meet Khattar while the latter was in Delhi but Khattar had said he wouldn't have the time to do so in Delhi and that it would be better if they met in Chandigarh. Amarinder Singh responded to Kejriwal's request for a meeting saying he failed to understand why the Delhi chief minister was "trying to force his hand, knowing well that any such discussion would be meaningless and futile". I fail to understand why the Delhi chief minister is trying to force his hand, knowing well that any such discussion would be meaningless and futile: Captain Amarinder Singh #AirPollution #StubbleBurning (File pic) pic.twitter.com/hqsQ0rY174 — ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2017 × He added that Kejriwal should stop politicising the serious issue of stubble burning. Amarinder also alleged the AAP leader was trying to divert public attention from his government's failure to check the problem of pollution in Delhi. Delhi's pollution problem, he said, is the result mainly of urban pollution caused by "mismanaged" transport and "unplanned" industrial development. Amarinder added that he does not have luxury time like Kejriwal and that he (Kejriwal) should focus his attention on resolving issues instead of wasting his time by holding useless discussions. Amarinder had earlier also said there was no point in him meeting Kejriwal since the stubble burning issue would have to be resolved by the centre. Amarinder's media advisor Raveen Thukral also put out a tweet, quoting the Punjab CM as saying to Kejriwal: "Stop politicising the pollution issue, you know any meeting between us would be useless." Stop politicising the #pollution issue, you know any meeting between us would be useless, and in any case now that the apex court is also seized of the matter, let us leave it to them and the central govt to find long-term solutions: @capt_amarinder to @ArvindKejriwal — RaveenMediaAdvPunCM (@RT_MediaAdvPbCM) November 14, 2017 × The tweet added that the problem and solutions to it would be better left to the Supreme Court and the central government.

Pollution: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh again refuses to meet Kejriwal

The Delhi government has filed a fresh review petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding odd-even policy.

The state government has again requested that two-wheelers and woman drivers be exempt from the scheme for one year or till 2,000 additional buses are engaged by the city.

The state government has also requested neighbouring states to implement the odd-even scheme.

The NGT had earlier today refused to exempt women and two-wheelers from the odd-even scheme.

It also directed the government ensure that over-10-year-old diesel vehicles be taken off the city&#39;s roads without delay.

Expressing concern over the rising pollution in Delhi, the bench said the city should &quot;not gift infected lungs to its children&quot;.&nbsp;

NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also asked the AAP government to identify the most-polluted areas in the city and sprinkle water on them from high-rise buildings.

The NGT however allowed non-polluting industries which manufacture essential goods to continue functioning.&nbsp;

The Delhi government had scrapped its plan to implement the odd-even scheme from November 13 after the NGT said there would be no exemptions from the scheme for women drivers, two-wheelers, and government servants.

The state government has again requested that two-wheelers and woman drivers be exempt from the scheme for one year or till 2,000 additional buses are engaged by the city

The Delhi government has filed a fresh review petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding odd-even policy. The state government has again requested that two-wheelers and woman drivers be exempt from the scheme for one year or till 2,000 additional buses are engaged by the city. The state government has also requested neighbouring states to implement the odd-even scheme. The NGT had earlier today refused to exempt women and two-wheelers from the odd-even scheme. It also directed the government ensure that over-10-year-old diesel vehicles be taken off the city's roads without delay. Expressing concern over the rising pollution in Delhi, the bench said the city should "not gift infected lungs to its children". NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also asked the AAP government to identify the most-polluted areas in the city and sprinkle water on them from high-rise buildings. The NGT however allowed non-polluting industries which manufacture essential goods to continue functioning. The Delhi government had scrapped its plan to implement the odd-even scheme from November 13 after the NGT said there would be no exemptions from the scheme for women drivers, two-wheelers, and government servants.

Odd-even: Delhi government files fresh review petition with NGT

The Delhi government has filed an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGTs previous directions.&nbsp;

The Tribunal will hear the plea tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Delhi Government files an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGT&#39;s previous directions. Tribunal likely to hear the plea, tomorrow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OddEven?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OddEven</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirPollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirPollution</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929992993062371328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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To reduce the pollution level, the Delhi government had ordered the implementation of the odd-even rationing of vehicles from today.

However, the decision was dropped by the Delhi government after the National Green Tribunal&#39;s(NGT) said none of the vehicles would be exempted.

The government had exempted women, government officials and two-wheelers from the rationing.

The government claimed&nbsp;that the exemption was&nbsp;done keeping in mind the security of women in the city.

Also, the two-wheelers were exempted because the city does not have enough bus services to support the increase in the passengers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The Delhi government has filed an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGTs previous directions. The Tribunal will hear the plea tomorrow. Delhi Government files an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGT's previous directions. Tribunal likely to hear the plea, tomorrow #OddEven #AirPollution — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2017 × To reduce the pollution level, the Delhi government had ordered the implementation of the odd-even rationing of vehicles from today. However, the decision was dropped by the Delhi government after the National Green Tribunal's(NGT) said none of the vehicles would be exempted. The government had exempted women, government officials and two-wheelers from the rationing. The government claimed that the exemption was done keeping in mind the security of women in the city. Also, the two-wheelers were exempted because the city does not have enough bus services to support the increase in the passengers.

Delhi government files plea in NGT seeking changes in its previous directions

The smog in Delhi led to at least&nbsp;69 trains being delayed and 22 rescheduled with eight trains cancelled on Monday morning.

The latest Air Quality Index in many places in the national capital was recorded as &quot;hazardous&quot;.

In Delhi, Mandir Marg, Anand&nbsp;Vihar, Punjabi Bagh and Shadipur were at&nbsp;&quot;hazardous&quot; levels.&nbsp;

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According to latest AQI figures, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s Mandir Marg at 523, Anand Vihar at 510, Punjabi Bagh at 743, Shadipur at 420; all fall in the &#39;Hazardous&#39; category in the Air Quality Index
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929896079113428992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The air quality in the city and the adjoining states remains severely polluted under the thick blanket of smog.

Meanwhile, schools in Delhi reopened on Monday after being closed due to severe smog conditions in the past week.

To reduce the pollution level, the Delhi government&nbsp;had ordered the&nbsp;implementation of the odd-even rationing of vehicles from today. However, the decision was dropped by the Delhi&nbsp;government after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-government-should-prove-odd-even-has-worked-else-will-stay-imposition-of-the-rule-ngt-23910" target="_blank">National Green Tribunal</a>&#39;s(NGT) said none of the&nbsp;vehicles drivers would be exempted which including women and government officials.&nbsp;

The Delhi government decided to present a new plan to the NGT on Monday, with the odd-even vehicle plan set to be implemented in the near future.&nbsp;

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Schools in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> reopen, after being closed due to severe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smog</a> conditions in the national capital. Students seen wearing masks, teachers &#39;say collective efforts must be made, closing schools not a solution&#39; <a href="https://t.co/Mi1isF5hhM">pic.twitter.com/Mi1isF5hhM</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929901531889102848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the schools in Delhi reopened on Monday after being closed due to severe smog conditions in the past week

The smog in Delhi led to at least 69 trains being delayed and 22 rescheduled with eight trains cancelled on Monday morning. The latest Air Quality Index in many places in the national capital was recorded as "hazardous". In Delhi, Mandir Marg, Anand Vihar, Punjabi Bagh and Shadipur were at "hazardous" levels. According to latest AQI figures, #Delhi's Mandir Marg at 523, Anand Vihar at 510, Punjabi Bagh at 743, Shadipur at 420; all fall in the 'Hazardous' category in the Air Quality Index — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2017 × The air quality in the city and the adjoining states remains severely polluted under the thick blanket of smog. Meanwhile, schools in Delhi reopened on Monday after being closed due to severe smog conditions in the past week. To reduce the pollution level, the Delhi government had ordered the implementation of the odd-even rationing of vehicles from today. However, the decision was dropped by the Delhi government after the National Green Tribunal's(NGT) said none of the vehicles drivers would be exempted which including women and government officials. The Delhi government decided to present a new plan to the NGT on Monday, with the odd-even vehicle plan set to be implemented in the near future. Schools in #Delhi reopen, after being closed due to severe #smog conditions in the national capital. Students seen wearing masks, teachers 'say collective efforts must be made, closing schools not a solution' pic.twitter.com/Mi1isF5hhM — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2017 ×

Delhi smog: Schools reopen, several trains delayed

Air quality readings in the National capital have reached frightening levels in recent days.

Situations became so much worse that schools were asked to remain closed for few days. Parents kept their child indoors.

On Wednesday, the government banned incoming trucks and halted civil construction projects; while on Thursday, Kejriwal government announced Odd-even policy implementation to take the situation under control but later it was called off.

A recent report was done by an independent Berkeley Earth science research group has shown that breathing in air with a PM2.5 content of between 950 to 1,000 is considered roughly equivalent to smoking 44 cigarettes a day. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Central Control Room for Air Quality Management recorded PM2.5 and PM10 concentration at 478 and 713 microgram per cubic meter by Saturday afternoon In Delhi.

There is no denying that air pollution is a major cause of preventable diseases and deaths in India.&nbsp;

Across the capital, doctors reported a surge in patients complaining of chest pain, breathlessness, and burning eyes.

Science journal The Lancet&rsquo;s &lsquo;Commission on Pollution and Health&#39;s study also gave some alarming figures for India. According to their study, pollution resulted in 2.5 million deaths in India in 2015 - the highest anywhere in the world.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

A recent report was done by an independent Berkeley Earth science research group has shown that breathing in air with a PM2.5 content of between 950 to 1,000 is considered roughly equivalent to smoking 44 cigarettes a day

Air quality readings in the National capital have reached frightening levels in recent days. Situations became so much worse that schools were asked to remain closed for few days. Parents kept their child indoors. On Wednesday, the government banned incoming trucks and halted civil construction projects; while on Thursday, Kejriwal government announced Odd-even policy implementation to take the situation under control but later it was called off. A recent report was done by an independent Berkeley Earth science research group has shown that breathing in air with a PM2.5 content of between 950 to 1,000 is considered roughly equivalent to smoking 44 cigarettes a day. Central Control Room for Air Quality Management recorded PM2.5 and PM10 concentration at 478 and 713 microgram per cubic meter by Saturday afternoon In Delhi. There is no denying that air pollution is a major cause of preventable diseases and deaths in India. Across the capital, doctors reported a surge in patients complaining of chest pain, breathlessness, and burning eyes. Science journal The Lancet’s ‘Commission on Pollution and Health's study also gave some alarming figures for India. According to their study, pollution resulted in 2.5 million deaths in India in 2015 - the highest anywhere in the world.

Breathing in Delhi is Equivalent to smoking 44 cigarettes a day

After improvement&nbsp;on Saturday afternoon, Delhi pollution hit the &quot;emergency&quot;&nbsp;level again, with the minimum temperature dropping to 13 degrees Celsius, a MeT department official said.

High humidity level at 98 per cent contributed to the smog, the official said.&nbsp;

At 9:00 am, Particulate Matter (PM) 10 Average Levels (24 Hourly) were recorded at 614&nbsp;micro grams/m3, while PM 2.5 Average Levels (24 Hourly) were recorded at 441.7 micro grams/m3, as per Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). In Delhi&#39;s Lodhi Road area, PM 10 levels were at 560, and PM 2.5 at 625, way above the permissible limit of 100 and 60.

In Noida, PM 10 levels were at 551, and PM 2.5 levels at 541.The air quality is categorised as &quot;severe&quot;, when pollution level hits 401 or above, in the Air Quality Index (AQI).

The city&#39;s air quality worsened ahead of winter as cooler air traps pollutants near the ground, preventing them from dispersing into the atmosphere.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified four reasons for the sudden onset of pollution -- temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and atmospheric boundary layer -- for the worsening Delhi air.

Due to the dense smog engulfing national capital, 34 trains running late, 21 were rescheduled and 8 trains were cancelled.

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Delhi: 34 trains arriving late, 21 rescheduled &amp; 8 cancelled <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smog</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929574229388836864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Delhi has been experiencing heavy smog for the past few days, forcing authorities to enforce emergency measures such as banning construction activities, barring trucks and heavy vehicles from entering Delhi and closure of brick kilns due to worsening air pollution.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government is also in talks with Pawan Hans Helicopter limited, for aerially sprinkling water in the city to settle the particulate matter.

The &quot;odd-even&quot; rationing of cars, which was supposed to begin on Monday, however,&nbsp;was called off by the Delhi government after the National Green Tribunal ordered the withdrawal of exemptions given to women and two-wheelers under the scheme. 
&nbsp;

After an improvement on Saturday afternoon, Delhi pollution hit 'emergency' level again, with the minimum temperature dropping to 13 degrees celsius, a MeT department official said

After improvement on Saturday afternoon, Delhi pollution hit the "emergency" level again, with the minimum temperature dropping to 13 degrees Celsius, a MeT department official said. High humidity level at 98 per cent contributed to the smog, the official said. At 9:00 am, Particulate Matter (PM) 10 Average Levels (24 Hourly) were recorded at 614 micro grams/m3, while PM 2.5 Average Levels (24 Hourly) were recorded at 441.7 micro grams/m3, as per Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). In Delhi's Lodhi Road area, PM 10 levels were at 560, and PM 2.5 at 625, way above the permissible limit of 100 and 60. In Noida, PM 10 levels were at 551, and PM 2.5 levels at 541.The air quality is categorised as "severe", when pollution level hits 401 or above, in the Air Quality Index (AQI). The city's air quality worsened ahead of winter as cooler air traps pollutants near the ground, preventing them from dispersing into the atmosphere. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified four reasons for the sudden onset of pollution -- temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and atmospheric boundary layer -- for the worsening Delhi air. Due to the dense smog engulfing national capital, 34 trains running late, 21 were rescheduled and 8 trains were cancelled. Delhi: 34 trains arriving late, 21 rescheduled & 8 cancelled #smog — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2017 × Delhi has been experiencing heavy smog for the past few days, forcing authorities to enforce emergency measures such as banning construction activities, barring trucks and heavy vehicles from entering Delhi and closure of brick kilns due to worsening air pollution. Meanwhile, the Delhi government is also in talks with Pawan Hans Helicopter limited, for aerially sprinkling water in the city to settle the particulate matter. The "odd-even" rationing of cars, which was supposed to begin on Monday, however, was called off by the Delhi government after the National Green Tribunal ordered the withdrawal of exemptions given to women and two-wheelers under the scheme.

Delhi Pollution hits 'emergency' level again

Sixty-four trains travelling to Delhi were delayed, 14 rescheduled, and two cancelled because of the smog.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There were no reports of any planes being delayed.&nbsp;

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64 trains delayed, 14 rescheduled and two cancelled due to smog/fog conditions <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929162724499587072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Air quality meanwhile was recorded as &quot;hazardous&quot; at a number of places.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s Mandir Marg at 326, Anand Vihar at 430, Siri Fort at 316, Dwarka at 327, Shadipur at 331 in the &#39;Hazardous&#39; category, in Air Quality Index.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929169589124055045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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As was the case in neighbouring Gurgaon and Faridabad.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Haryana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Haryana</a>: Vikas Sadan Gurugram at 330 &#39;Hazardous&#39;, Sector16A Faridabad at 204 &#39;Very Unhealthy&#39;, in Air Quality Index (AQI)
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929170547405086720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Air quality in Delhi dips each year as winter approaches, with the cooler air trapping pollutants closer to the ground.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The phenomenon is called &quot;inversion&quot;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sixty-four trains travelling to Delhi were delayed, 14 rescheduled, and two cancelled because of the smog. There were no reports of any planes being delayed. 64 trains delayed, 14 rescheduled and two cancelled due to smog/fog conditions #Delhi — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × Air quality meanwhile was recorded as "hazardous" at a number of places. #Delhi's Mandir Marg at 326, Anand Vihar at 430, Siri Fort at 316, Dwarka at 327, Shadipur at 331 in the 'Hazardous' category, in Air Quality Index. — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × As was the case in neighbouring Gurgaon and Faridabad. #Haryana: Vikas Sadan Gurugram at 330 'Hazardous', Sector16A Faridabad at 204 'Very Unhealthy', in Air Quality Index (AQI) — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × Air quality in Delhi dips each year as winter approaches, with the cooler air trapping pollutants closer to the ground. The phenomenon is called "inversion".

Delhi: 64 trains delayed, 2 cancelled due to smog

The National Green Tribunal has asked the Delhi government to impose Rs one lakh fine on builders who violate its directives of halting construction work in the city.&nbsp;

The NGT has asked builders to stop&nbsp;construction work for few days to reduce the level of pollutants from the air.&nbsp;

It has also directed state governments to ensure that farmers are not burning crops.&nbsp;

The tribunal has said to charge a considerable&nbsp;amount of fine from the salary of the&nbsp;responsible officer if they continue to indulge in crop burning.

(With inputs from ANI)

NGT will put a fine of Rs 1 lakh on builders if they continue with Construction in Delhi

The National Green Tribunal has asked the Delhi government to impose Rs one lakh fine on builders who violate its directives of halting construction work in the city. The NGT has asked builders to stop construction work for few days to reduce the level of pollutants from the air. It has also directed state governments to ensure that farmers are not burning crops. The tribunal has said to charge a considerable amount of fine from the salary of the responsible officer if they continue to indulge in crop burning. (With inputs from ANI)

Delhi: NGT warns builders to fine Rs 1 lakh in case construction is reported

India plans to spray water over its capital, New Delhi, to try to combat toxic smog that has triggered a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-pollution-hits-dangerous-level-doctors-declare-health-emergency-6544">pollution emergency</a>, officials said on Friday, with conditions expected to get worse over the weekend.

Illegal crop burning in farm states surrounding New Delhi, vehicle exhaust in a city with limited public transport and swirling construction dust have <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/new-delhi-wins-the-global-air-pollution-race-538">caused the crisis</a>, as they do year after year.

&ldquo;Sprinkling water is the only way to bring down the dangerous pollution levels,&rdquo; said Shruti Bhardwaj, the environment ministry&#39;s senior most official in charge of monitoring air quality.

The government was finalising the plans to spray the water from a height of 100 metres, which would be unprecedented, she said, without saying how much of the city of 22 million people would be covered.

The thick blanket of grey air and pollutants has enveloped Delhi for the past four days. A US embassy measure of tiny particulate matter, called PM 2.5, showed a reading of 523 at 9 am on Friday - the outer limit of &quot;good&quot; air is 50.

PM 2.5 is about 30 times finer than a human hair. The particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.

The air has remained consistently in the &quot;hazardous&quot; category or beyond those levels, despite a litany of government measures: ordering a halt to all construction activities, restricting vehicular movement and raising parking charges four times to push residents to use public transport.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-traffic-police-to-restrict-entry-of-goods-vehicles-23864">Commercial trucks are now banned</a> from the city unless they are transporting essential commodities and the Delhi transport department said it will re-introduced an &ldquo;odd-even&rdquo; scheme from next week under which cars with licence plates ending in an odd number are allowed one day and even-numbered cars the next day.

The scheme was introduced in the Chinese capital a decade ago to fight traffic and pollution with mixed success.

The Delhi high court issued an order on Thursday suggesting the city&#39;s government consider &quot;cloud seeding&quot; to induce rainfall artificially, a practice also used in Beijing.

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi, said sprinkling water will help, but it won&#39;t solve everything.&nbsp;

&quot;Each and every dust control measure has to be put in place to ensure that air quality improves as soon as possible,&quot; she said.

Satyendra Kumar Jain, New Delhi&rsquo;s health minister, said labourers living in urban slums or beneath road fly-overs were suffering the most. Government hospitals in the city, Jain said, were treating thousands of patients with respiratory ailments.

&quot;The only solution left is that we start spraying water right at the street level, especially along heavy traffic roads,&quot; Jain said.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of Delhi, called the capital a &quot;gas chamber&quot; earlier this week as his government sought urgent meetings with the federal government and neighbouring states to find solutions.

Affluent residents and large private companies have been placing bulk orders for air purifiers and filtration masks.

&quot;I have installed six air purifiers in my home, closed all the windows, but my eyes are still watering,&quot; said Ranveer Singhal, a commodity trader living in leafy neighbourhood of the city.

According to a 2016 World Bank report, nearly 1.4 million people died in India due to air pollution in 2013, causing an economic loss worth 7.7 per cent of the nation&#39;s GDP.&nbsp;

Organisers of music festivals and open air parties are now cancelling events after the Central Pollution Control Board said air quality could deteriorate further during the weekend.

Pronab Sarkar, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, said air pollution had also hit tourism.

&ldquo;Many tourists are cancelling their bookings for Christmas holiday,&rdquo; he said.

?Sprinkling water is the only way to bring down the dangerous pollution levels,? said Shruti Bhardwaj, the environment ministry's senior most official in charge of monitoring air quality

India plans to spray water over its capital, New Delhi, to try to combat toxic smog that has triggered a pollution emergency, officials said on Friday, with conditions expected to get worse over the weekend. Illegal crop burning in farm states surrounding New Delhi, vehicle exhaust in a city with limited public transport and swirling construction dust have caused the crisis, as they do year after year. “Sprinkling water is the only way to bring down the dangerous pollution levels,” said Shruti Bhardwaj, the environment ministry's senior most official in charge of monitoring air quality. The government was finalising the plans to spray the water from a height of 100 metres, which would be unprecedented, she said, without saying how much of the city of 22 million people would be covered. The thick blanket of grey air and pollutants has enveloped Delhi for the past four days. A US embassy measure of tiny particulate matter, called PM 2.5, showed a reading of 523 at 9 am on Friday - the outer limit of "good" air is 50. PM 2.5 is about 30 times finer than a human hair. The particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and respiratory diseases. The air has remained consistently in the "hazardous" category or beyond those levels, despite a litany of government measures: ordering a halt to all construction activities, restricting vehicular movement and raising parking charges four times to push residents to use public transport. Commercial trucks are now banned from the city unless they are transporting essential commodities and the Delhi transport department said it will re-introduced an “odd-even” scheme from next week under which cars with licence plates ending in an odd number are allowed one day and even-numbered cars the next day. The scheme was introduced in the Chinese capital a decade ago to fight traffic and pollution with mixed success. The Delhi high court issued an order on Thursday suggesting the city's government consider "cloud seeding" to induce rainfall artificially, a practice also used in Beijing. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi, said sprinkling water will help, but it won't solve everything. "Each and every dust control measure has to be put in place to ensure that air quality improves as soon as possible," she said. Satyendra Kumar Jain, New Delhi’s health minister, said labourers living in urban slums or beneath road fly-overs were suffering the most. Government hospitals in the city, Jain said, were treating thousands of patients with respiratory ailments. "The only solution left is that we start spraying water right at the street level, especially along heavy traffic roads," Jain said. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of Delhi, called the capital a "gas chamber" earlier this week as his government sought urgent meetings with the federal government and neighbouring states to find solutions. Affluent residents and large private companies have been placing bulk orders for air purifiers and filtration masks. "I have installed six air purifiers in my home, closed all the windows, but my eyes are still watering," said Ranveer Singhal, a commodity trader living in leafy neighbourhood of the city. According to a 2016 World Bank report, nearly 1.4 million people died in India due to air pollution in 2013, causing an economic loss worth 7.7 per cent of the nation's GDP. Organisers of music festivals and open air parties are now cancelling events after the Central Pollution Control Board said air quality could deteriorate further during the weekend. Pronab Sarkar, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, said air pollution had also hit tourism. “Many tourists are cancelling their bookings for Christmas holiday,” he said.

Smog emergency: Govt plans to spray water on Delhi from a height of 100 metres

As India tries to figure out ways to combat toxic smog, Mexico can lend a helping hand. Melba Maria Pria Olavarrieta, Mexico&rsquo;s ambassador to India, has some suggestions.

&ldquo;We have worked on tackling pollution for 25 years, and we are here to share that experience. We did a lot of things like, like pushed&nbsp;all the industries out of the city limits, added&nbsp;catalytic converters in cars, changed type of fuel we were using. We buy about one million cars from India, and add catalytic converters in all of them. Ironically, the car I use here in India does not have any such device,&rdquo; Ms Olavarrieta said in an exclusive interview to WION.

She added, &ldquo;Pollution affects the life of everyone - you, me, our children. Pollution brings problems for economy because you have to spen too much to improve the air quality. So we need to have a long-term solution to the problem. Today we are talking so much&nbsp;about pollution because the air quality index has reached 800. In 10 days, when things will normalise, everyone will forget about this. This needs to change.&rdquo;

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File photo of Mexico&#39;s ambassador to India, Melba Maria Pria Olavarrieta (Facebook)
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Mexico has been battling pollution for years now. In 1992, the United Nations declared Mexico City the most polluted on the planet. It is said that Mexico City&#39;s air has gone from being among the world&#39;s cleanest to among the dirtiest.

&quot;We always keep our children inside whenever pollution level reaches 150. I didn&#39;t have lead in my blood when I was young, but my children do. And this is serious,&quot;&nbsp;Ms Olavarrieta said. &quot;We asked school children about the colour of the sky. Eighty per cent of the kids said it&#39;s grey. The half of remaining 20 per cent said it&#39;s brown, and only the remaining said it was blue.&quot;

There was no respite from toxic&nbsp;smog&nbsp;and dangerously high levels of air pollution for New Delhi on Friday with residents complaining of irritated eyes and respiratory problems.

Pollution in New Delhi has been hovering at alarming levels with air quality readings of tiny particulate matter PM 2.5 hitting over 796 on Friday, the most severe level on the government&#39;s scale. A reading of anything over 100 is considered unhealthy.&nbsp;

PM 2.5 is particulate matter about 30 times finer than a human hair. The particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.

Residents complained of headaches, coughs and smarting eyes. Many stayed home and restaurants in some of the city&#39;s most crowded parts were deserted.

Illegal crop burning in the farm states surrounding New Delhi, vehicle exhaust emissions in a city with limited public transport and swirling construction dust have caused the crisis, which arises every year. The problem has been compounded this year by still conditions, the weather office said.

There was no respite from toxic smog and dangerously high levels of air pollution for New Delhi on Friday with residents complaining of irritated eyes and respiratory problems.

As India tries to figure out ways to combat toxic smog, Mexico can lend a helping hand. Melba Maria Pria Olavarrieta, Mexico’s ambassador to India, has some suggestions. “We have worked on tackling pollution for 25 years, and we are here to share that experience. We did a lot of things like, like pushed all the industries out of the city limits, added catalytic converters in cars, changed type of fuel we were using. We buy about one million cars from India, and add catalytic converters in all of them. Ironically, the car I use here in India does not have any such device,” Ms Olavarrieta said in an exclusive interview to WION. She added, “Pollution affects the life of everyone - you, me, our children. Pollution brings problems for economy because you have to spen too much to improve the air quality. So we need to have a long-term solution to the problem. Today we are talking so much about pollution because the air quality index has reached 800. In 10 days, when things will normalise, everyone will forget about this. This needs to change.” File photo of Mexico's ambassador to India, Melba Maria Pria Olavarrieta (Facebook) × Mexico has been battling pollution for years now. In 1992, the United Nations declared Mexico City the most polluted on the planet. It is said that Mexico City's air has gone from being among the world's cleanest to among the dirtiest. "We always keep our children inside whenever pollution level reaches 150. I didn't have lead in my blood when I was young, but my children do. And this is serious," Ms Olavarrieta said. "We asked school children about the colour of the sky. Eighty per cent of the kids said it's grey. The half of remaining 20 per cent said it's brown, and only the remaining said it was blue." There was no respite from toxic smog and dangerously high levels of air pollution for New Delhi on Friday with residents complaining of irritated eyes and respiratory problems. Pollution in New Delhi has been hovering at alarming levels with air quality readings of tiny particulate matter PM 2.5 hitting over 796 on Friday, the most severe level on the government's scale. A reading of anything over 100 is considered unhealthy. PM 2.5 is particulate matter about 30 times finer than a human hair. The particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and respiratory diseases. Residents complained of headaches, coughs and smarting eyes. Many stayed home and restaurants in some of the city's most crowded parts were deserted. Illegal crop burning in the farm states surrounding New Delhi, vehicle exhaust emissions in a city with limited public transport and swirling construction dust have caused the crisis, which arises every year. The problem has been compounded this year by still conditions, the weather office said.

Toxic smog: How Mexico can help Delhi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ryan-student-murder-gurgaon-police-planted-knife-on-conductor-says-report-23867" target="_blank">Ryan student murder: Gurgaon Police planted knife on conductor, says report</a>

In a sensational twist in the killing of the class II student of Ryan International School, Pradyuman Thakur, the CBI has claimed that the Gurgaon Police framed the school bus conductor and planted a knife on him, declaring the case as solved within hours.&nbsp;Sources told the TOI that the police resorted to framing the bus conductor, Ashok Kumar, since it was under tremendous pressure to solve the case. The Times of India reported that the CBI had established in its two-month-long investigation that the knife belonged to the main accused in the case, a 16-year-old Class XI student of the same school. A CBI officer told TOI that the knife was purchased by the juvenile from a local shop, brought inside the school and was the only knife which was recovered. He added that the accused student on Thursday guided the investigating agency to the shop from where he had purchased the knife.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/actress-portia-de-rossi-accuses-steven-seagal-of-sexual-harassment-23862" target="_blank">Actor Steven Seagal, comedian Louis CK accused of sexual misconduct</a>

US action movie actor Steven Seagal and comedian Louis CK were the latest stars in the crosshairs of mounting sexual misconduct allegations on Thursday, following the downfall of Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey.&nbsp;Portia de Rossi, the &quot;Arrested Development&quot; actress and wife of chat queen Ellen DeGeneres, accused the former martial arts expert and blues musician over an undated audition for a Seagal movie in his office. &quot;He told me how important it was to have chemistry off-screen as he sat me down and unzipped his leather pants,&quot; the Australian-born actress tweeted late Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-government-set-to-enforce-odd-even-scheme-for-private-vehicles-next-week-report-23820" target="_blank">Odd-even to be in place from Nov 13-17 with same exemptions: Delhi Transport minister</a>

Delhi Transport minister&nbsp;Kailash Gehlot announced that the odd-even number scheme for private vehicles will be implemented from November 13-17 in the national capital. &quot;Request people and all agencies to cooperate. Exemptions will be the&nbsp;same as&nbsp;last time,&quot; the minister said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-praises-chinas-highly-respected-xi-23869" target="_blank">Trump praises China&#39;s &#39;highly respected&#39; Xi</a>

US President Donald Trump praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a &quot;highly respected and powerful representative of his people&quot; on Friday as he wrapped up his first state visit to Beijing.Trump showered his host with accolades during two days of meetings during which the US leader sought to convince Xi to do more to reduce a trade deficit with China and rein in nuclear-armed North Korea.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-court-win-chris-gayle-says-hes-willing-to-sell-his-side-of-story-for-300000-23870" target="_blank">After winning defamation case, Chris Gayle says he&#39;s willing to sell his side of story for $300,000</a>

After winning his court case against Australia&#39;s Fairfax Media group, Chris Gayle has said he is willing to sell his side of the story -- for a starting price of $300,000.&nbsp;The cricketer had accused the media group, publishers of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, of defamation after it published a series of stories alleging the cricketer had exposed himself to a massage therapist and had indecently propositioned her.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ryan student murder: Gurgaon Police planted knife on conductor, says report In a sensational twist in the killing of the class II student of Ryan International School, Pradyuman Thakur, the CBI has claimed that the Gurgaon Police framed the school bus conductor and planted a knife on him, declaring the case as solved within hours. Sources told the TOI that the police resorted to framing the bus conductor, Ashok Kumar, since it was under tremendous pressure to solve the case. The Times of India reported that the CBI had established in its two-month-long investigation that the knife belonged to the main accused in the case, a 16-year-old Class XI student of the same school. A CBI officer told TOI that the knife was purchased by the juvenile from a local shop, brought inside the school and was the only knife which was recovered. He added that the accused student on Thursday guided the investigating agency to the shop from where he had purchased the knife. Actor Steven Seagal, comedian Louis CK accused of sexual misconduct US action movie actor Steven Seagal and comedian Louis CK were the latest stars in the crosshairs of mounting sexual misconduct allegations on Thursday, following the downfall of Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey. Portia de Rossi, the "Arrested Development" actress and wife of chat queen Ellen DeGeneres, accused the former martial arts expert and blues musician over an undated audition for a Seagal movie in his office. "He told me how important it was to have chemistry off-screen as he sat me down and unzipped his leather pants," the Australian-born actress tweeted late Wednesday. Odd-even to be in place from Nov 13-17 with same exemptions: Delhi Transport minister Delhi Transport minister Kailash Gehlot announced that the odd-even number scheme for private vehicles will be implemented from November 13-17 in the national capital. "Request people and all agencies to cooperate. Exemptions will be the same as last time," the minister said. Trump praises China's 'highly respected' Xi US President Donald Trump praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a "highly respected and powerful representative of his people" on Friday as he wrapped up his first state visit to Beijing.Trump showered his host with accolades during two days of meetings during which the US leader sought to convince Xi to do more to reduce a trade deficit with China and rein in nuclear-armed North Korea. After winning defamation case, Chris Gayle says he's willing to sell his side of story for $300,000 After winning his court case against Australia's Fairfax Media group, Chris Gayle has said he is willing to sell his side of the story -- for a starting price of $300,000. The cricketer had accused the media group, publishers of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, of defamation after it published a series of stories alleging the cricketer had exposed himself to a massage therapist and had indecently propositioned her.

WION Morning news brief, November 10 2017: 5 stories

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned the construction and industrial activities in Delhi-NCR till November 14, alarmed over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-quality-hazardous-41-trains-delayed-23785">skyrocketing levels of air pollution in the city</a>.&nbsp;

The tribunal pulled up the Delhi Government, Municipal Corporations and neighbouring states, and asked them to see the &quot;pitiable condition&quot;&nbsp;of people in hospitals and the way their lives are being played with. 
 
&nbsp;&quot;It is shameful for all the parties in this matter on what they&#39;re passing on to the next generation,&quot; the tribunal observed.

&quot;The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report has shown the extent of danger lurking in the air in Delhi NCR. Yesterday Particulate Matter (PM) 10 levels, supposed to be 100, had touched 986, while the PM 2.5 levels, supposed to be 60, had reached 420. This has been the situation for the past week,&quot; the NGT said. 
 
&quot;Even construction work taking place openly isn&#39;t being stopped, and when such a situation has ensued now action is being promised,&quot; the tribunal added.

Industrial activities cannot be carried about in Delhi till the next hearing on November 14, the NGT said, while also directing all public authorities to depute an officer to monitor the polluting activities.

&quot;All the constitutional authorities and statutory bodies measurably failed to perform their duties. So far as pollution is the concern, it is a joint responsibility of all the stakeholders,&quot; the NGT said.

&quot;Articles 21 and 48 of the Constitution mandate that it is the responsibility of governments to make sure that citizens get a clean and conducive environment. The Right to Life is being snatched from people since they&#39;re not getting a clean environment,&quot; the tribunal observed.

The NGT has also prohibited trucks from outside or within Delhi from transporting any construction material. the tribunal has also banned 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old&nbsp;petrol vehicles from entering the national capital.

The tribunal asked the Delhi Government on the steps taken to curtail pollution, the number of challans issued to violators and the number of construction sites where work has been stopped.&nbsp;It also directed the sprinkling of water where Particulate Matter (PM) 10 is found to be in excess of 600 micrograms per cubic metre. 
 
&quot;Why isn&#39;t rain artificially being triggered using helicopters,&quot; the tribunal asked.

The green tribunal also directed civic bodies to constitute teams to ensure there is no burning of waste in Delhi-NCR.&nbsp;

The NGT slammed the&nbsp;neighbouring states of Delhi -- Punjab and Haryana -- and raised questions on their seriousness on the prevailing situation. 
 
All pollution control boards of the concerned states have been asked to monitor all parameters.&nbsp; 
 
The NGT has asked all concerned authorities and pollution control boards to file a status report till the next date of hearing.

State governments should find economically viable solutions to crop burning: Kejriwal

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said today that crop burning would not stop until state governments found &quot;economically viable solutions&quot; to stop crop burning.

He also emphasised that crop burning would only stop if the central government along with the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana came together and &quot;put aside politics&quot;. &nbsp;

&quot;Until state governments don&#39;t find, it will not stop,&quot; Arvind Kejriwal said.

&quot;The high increase in PM levels in Delhi is not just due to local reasons. People and government of Delhi are ready to take all steps but these steps will not be enough until solution to crop burning is found,&quot; the Delhi chief minister said.

&quot;For a month (from mid October to mid November), the whole northern India becomes a gas chamber, not just Delhi,&quot; he added.

NHRC notice to Punjab, Haryana on crop burning

Meanwhile, alarmed over the &quot;life-threatening&quot;&nbsp;pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also issued notices issued to the Centre and governments of Punjab and Haryana on their action plan to tackle the same.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yesterday, the National Green Tribunal had pulled up the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board for not issuing orders to shut down construction and industrial activities in the capital despite the worsening air quality.

It also ordered Punjab, UP and Haryana governments to spell out the steps they have taken to prevent crop burning in the states adjacent to the national capital.

The green panel had directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to collect ambient air quality samples from different parts of the city and submit an analysis containing details of different pollutants, including particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and 10. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI, ANI) 
&nbsp;

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No trucks from outside or within Delhi will be permitted to transport any construction material, the NGT said.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned the construction and industrial activities in Delhi-NCR till November 14, alarmed over the skyrocketing levels of air pollution in the city. The tribunal pulled up the Delhi Government, Municipal Corporations and neighbouring states, and asked them to see the "pitiable condition" of people in hospitals and the way their lives are being played with. "It is shameful for all the parties in this matter on what they're passing on to the next generation," the tribunal observed. "The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report has shown the extent of danger lurking in the air in Delhi NCR. Yesterday Particulate Matter (PM) 10 levels, supposed to be 100, had touched 986, while the PM 2.5 levels, supposed to be 60, had reached 420. This has been the situation for the past week," the NGT said. "Even construction work taking place openly isn't being stopped, and when such a situation has ensued now action is being promised," the tribunal added. Industrial activities cannot be carried about in Delhi till the next hearing on November 14, the NGT said, while also directing all public authorities to depute an officer to monitor the polluting activities. "All the constitutional authorities and statutory bodies measurably failed to perform their duties. So far as pollution is the concern, it is a joint responsibility of all the stakeholders," the NGT said. "Articles 21 and 48 of the Constitution mandate that it is the responsibility of governments to make sure that citizens get a clean and conducive environment. The Right to Life is being snatched from people since they're not getting a clean environment," the tribunal observed. The NGT has also prohibited trucks from outside or within Delhi from transporting any construction material. the tribunal has also banned 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old petrol vehicles from entering the national capital. The tribunal asked the Delhi Government on the steps taken to curtail pollution, the number of challans issued to violators and the number of construction sites where work has been stopped. It also directed the sprinkling of water where Particulate Matter (PM) 10 is found to be in excess of 600 micrograms per cubic metre. "Why isn't rain artificially being triggered using helicopters," the tribunal asked. The green tribunal also directed civic bodies to constitute teams to ensure there is no burning of waste in Delhi-NCR. The NGT slammed the neighbouring states of Delhi -- Punjab and Haryana -- and raised questions on their seriousness on the prevailing situation. All pollution control boards of the concerned states have been asked to monitor all parameters. The NGT has asked all concerned authorities and pollution control boards to file a status report till the next date of hearing. State governments should find economically viable solutions to crop burning: Kejriwal Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said today that crop burning would not stop until state governments found "economically viable solutions" to stop crop burning. He also emphasised that crop burning would only stop if the central government along with the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana came together and "put aside politics". "Until state governments don't find, it will not stop," Arvind Kejriwal said. "The high increase in PM levels in Delhi is not just due to local reasons. People and government of Delhi are ready to take all steps but these steps will not be enough until solution to crop burning is found," the Delhi chief minister said. "For a month (from mid October to mid November), the whole northern India becomes a gas chamber, not just Delhi," he added. NHRC notice to Punjab, Haryana on crop burning Meanwhile, alarmed over the "life-threatening" pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also issued notices issued to the Centre and governments of Punjab and Haryana on their action plan to tackle the same. Yesterday, the National Green Tribunal had pulled up the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board for not issuing orders to shut down construction and industrial activities in the capital despite the worsening air quality. It also ordered Punjab, UP and Haryana governments to spell out the steps they have taken to prevent crop burning in the states adjacent to the national capital. The green panel had directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to collect ambient air quality samples from different parts of the city and submit an analysis containing details of different pollutants, including particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and 10. (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

Delhi pollution: National Green Tribunal bans construction, industrial activities till November 14

In view of increasing air pollution, Delhi is gearing up for yet another round of odd-even rule, as Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday directed the Transport Department to start preparing for the same.

Baijal also directed Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning.

In addition, Delhi Metro parking rates will be increased four times the prevalent rates from Thursday onwards, in a bid to discourage use of private vehicles.

Besides, Delhi Metro, Baijal also directed the Municipal Corporations, DDA to enhance parking fees by four times.

The Lieutenant Governor also directed to stop entry of truck traffic and all civil construction activities in the national capital till further orders.

&quot;We stopped entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except essential commodities) till further orders. We also asked to stop all civil construction activities in Delhi till further orders,&quot; Baijal said.

DPCC, SDMs, Municipal Corporations and Industries Department were directed to strictly enforce a ban on the use of electricity generator sets with exceptions as defined by DPCC for essential services.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sent a letter to chief ministers of neighbouring Punjab and Haryana states, urging them to work jointly to resolve the air pollution issue.

Kejriwal also blamed the states for their failure in curbing the problem of stubble burning.

A thick layer of smog canopied the national capital earlier this morning leading to hazardous pollution levels.

The odd-even rule launched last year by the AAP government in Delhi required vehicles with odd and even numbers to run on alternate days, with the view to limit movement of vehicles, and consequently reduce air pollution.

The rule applied for 15 days.

The scheme was first implemented by the Delhi government in January 2016,&nbsp;and re-introduced in April of the same year.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday directed the Transport Department to start preparing for the same

In view of increasing air pollution, Delhi is gearing up for yet another round of odd-even rule, as Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday directed the Transport Department to start preparing for the same. Baijal also directed Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning. In addition, Delhi Metro parking rates will be increased four times the prevalent rates from Thursday onwards, in a bid to discourage use of private vehicles. Besides, Delhi Metro, Baijal also directed the Municipal Corporations, DDA to enhance parking fees by four times. The Lieutenant Governor also directed to stop entry of truck traffic and all civil construction activities in the national capital till further orders. "We stopped entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except essential commodities) till further orders. We also asked to stop all civil construction activities in Delhi till further orders," Baijal said. DPCC, SDMs, Municipal Corporations and Industries Department were directed to strictly enforce a ban on the use of electricity generator sets with exceptions as defined by DPCC for essential services. Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sent a letter to chief ministers of neighbouring Punjab and Haryana states, urging them to work jointly to resolve the air pollution issue. Kejriwal also blamed the states for their failure in curbing the problem of stubble burning. A thick layer of smog canopied the national capital earlier this morning leading to hazardous pollution levels. The odd-even rule launched last year by the AAP government in Delhi required vehicles with odd and even numbers to run on alternate days, with the view to limit movement of vehicles, and consequently reduce air pollution. The rule applied for 15 days. The scheme was first implemented by the Delhi government in January 2016, and re-introduced in April of the same year.

Delhi will do another round of odd-even

The air quality in&nbsp;Delhi Thursday morning was &quot;hazardous&quot;.&nbsp;

ANI reported that the air-quality index (AQI) pegged Punjabi Bagh at 799, Dwarka at 388, Shadipur at 362, and Anand Vihar at 515 -- all of them falling in the hazardous category.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s Punjabi Bagh at 799, Dwarka 388, Shadipur 362,Anand Vihar 515 in Air Quality Index; all fall in the &#39;Hazardous&#39; category
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/928454631499350016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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ANI reported air quality earlier in the morning (at around 6.30 am) as falling in the &quot;severe&quot; category but by about 8.30 am, it had moved to hazardous.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Smog</a> seen in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s Lodhi road area in the early morning hours; Air Quality of the area-prominent pollutants PM 10 &amp; PM 2.5 in &#39;severe&#39; category <a href="https://t.co/XL0l1lLWJe">pic.twitter.com/XL0l1lLWJe</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/928432104098078720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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ANI also added that 41 trains travelling to Delhi had been delayed due to the smog, that nine had been rescheduled, and 10 cancelled.&nbsp;

There were no reports of any planes being delayed by the smog.&nbsp;

There has been a sudden dip in air quality in Delhi ever since Diwali.&nbsp;

While firecrackers were banned this year on Diwali, Delhi generally experiences a severe dip in air quality with the onset of winter.&nbsp;

The cooler air traps pollutants closer the ground, preventing them from dispersing into the atmosphere, a phenomenon known as &quot;inversion&quot;.

The burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states adds to the pollution.&nbsp;

Nine trains were rescheduled and 10 cancelled

The air quality in Delhi Thursday morning was "hazardous". ANI reported that the air-quality index (AQI) pegged Punjabi Bagh at 799, Dwarka at 388, Shadipur at 362, and Anand Vihar at 515 -- all of them falling in the hazardous category. #Delhi's Punjabi Bagh at 799, Dwarka 388, Shadipur 362,Anand Vihar 515 in Air Quality Index; all fall in the 'Hazardous' category — ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2017 × ANI reported air quality earlier in the morning (at around 6.30 am) as falling in the "severe" category but by about 8.30 am, it had moved to hazardous. #Smog seen in #Delhi's Lodhi road area in the early morning hours; Air Quality of the area-prominent pollutants PM 10 & PM 2.5 in 'severe' category pic.twitter.com/XL0l1lLWJe — ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2017 × ANI also added that 41 trains travelling to Delhi had been delayed due to the smog, that nine had been rescheduled, and 10 cancelled. There were no reports of any planes being delayed by the smog. There has been a sudden dip in air quality in Delhi ever since Diwali. While firecrackers were banned this year on Diwali, Delhi generally experiences a severe dip in air quality with the onset of winter. The cooler air traps pollutants closer the ground, preventing them from dispersing into the atmosphere, a phenomenon known as "inversion". The burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states adds to the pollution.

Delhi: Air quality 'hazardous'; 41 trains delayed by smog

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-votes-today-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-election-23777">Himachal votes today: All you need to know about the election</a>

The northern hill state of Himachal Pradesh goes to polls today. Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal is the chief ministerial candidate of the BJP. He faces-off with chief minister Virbhadra Singh of the Congress. Polling began at 8 am and will go on till 5 pm. Here&#39;s a ready reckoner.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-minister-priti-patel-quits-over-unauthorised-israel-meetings-23774">UK minister Priti Patel quits over unauthorised Israel meetings</a>

Britain&#39;s overseas aid minister Priti Patel quit on Wednesday over unauthorised meetings in Israel. Theresa May summoned Patel back from a trip to Africa to explain her talks with Israeli politicians and officials, in which she reportedly raised the possibility of Britain diverting aid to the Israeli army.

Patel had apologised on Monday for holding 12 separate meetings -- including with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- during a family holiday to Israel in August, without notifying the Foreign Office or Downing Street in advance.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-to-have-another-round-of-odd-even-rule-23778">Delhi gears up for second round of odd-even rule</a>

In view of increasing air pollution, Delhi will have yet anothe round of odd-even. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday directed the Transport Department to start preparing for implementing the rule in Delhi.

Mr Baijal also directed Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning. Delhi Metro parking rates will also be increased four times the prevalent rates from Thursday onwards, in a bid to discourage use of private vehicles.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-cong-gives-3-quota-options-to-patidars-who-say-theyll-get-back-to-them-23775">Gujarat elections: Cong gives 3 quota options to Patidars who say they&#39;ll get back to them</a>

Congress gave three options to the Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) at a late night meeting here with respect to latter&#39;s quota demand for its community, even as the organisation members said they would consult their leaders and legal experts before taking a decision.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-bill-looks-to-criminalise-homosexuality-23781">Egypt bill looks to criminalise homosexuality</a>

Amnesty International on Thursday condemned a draft bill in the Egyptian parliament that would criminalise homosexuality, in what the rights group called an &quot;unprecedented homophobic crackdown&quot;.

The bill lays jail terms of between one and three years for first-time offenders, whether the act takes place in public or a private place. Repeat offenders would receive five years.

The top stories from India and the world this morning

Himachal votes today: All you need to know about the election The northern hill state of Himachal Pradesh goes to polls today. Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal is the chief ministerial candidate of the BJP. He faces-off with chief minister Virbhadra Singh of the Congress. Polling began at 8 am and will go on till 5 pm. Here's a ready reckoner. UK minister Priti Patel quits over unauthorised Israel meetings Britain's overseas aid minister Priti Patel quit on Wednesday over unauthorised meetings in Israel. Theresa May summoned Patel back from a trip to Africa to explain her talks with Israeli politicians and officials, in which she reportedly raised the possibility of Britain diverting aid to the Israeli army. Patel had apologised on Monday for holding 12 separate meetings -- including with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- during a family holiday to Israel in August, without notifying the Foreign Office or Downing Street in advance. Delhi gears up for second round of odd-even rule In view of increasing air pollution, Delhi will have yet anothe round of odd-even. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday directed the Transport Department to start preparing for implementing the rule in Delhi. Mr Baijal also directed Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning. Delhi Metro parking rates will also be increased four times the prevalent rates from Thursday onwards, in a bid to discourage use of private vehicles. Gujarat elections: Cong gives 3 quota options to Patidars who say they'll get back to them Congress gave three options to the Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) at a late night meeting here with respect to latter's quota demand for its community, even as the organisation members said they would consult their leaders and legal experts before taking a decision. Egypt bill looks to criminalise homosexuality Amnesty International on Thursday condemned a draft bill in the Egyptian parliament that would criminalise homosexuality, in what the rights group called an "unprecedented homophobic crackdown". The bill lays jail terms of between one and three years for first-time offenders, whether the act takes place in public or a private place. Repeat offenders would receive five years.

WION morning news brief, November 9, 2017

The smog that has enveloped Delhi-NCR for the past two days has led to severe spike in the levels of particulate matters which can&nbsp;cause allergies or aggravate already existing allergies and decrease lung immunity.

The PM2.5 and PM10 levels at Lodhi Road on Wednesday afternoon was 500, way above the prescribed safety limit of 60. The weather department has predicted similar situation to prevail on Thursday as well.

Doctors have issued a health advisory asking people to avoid outdoor activities like jogging and cycling. They say&nbsp;such a high level of air pollution&nbsp;can cause stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic and acute respiratory diseases.

&quot;A thick blanket of smog has engulfed Delhi-NCR, and many areas of Punjab and Haryana. This is going to continue for the next three days. The smog is a result of moisture in the air and very low wind speed,&quot; said Dr K Sathi Devi, a weather scientist.

Many people are complaining of burning sensation in their eyes and difficulty in breathing.

Vikas Maurya, senior consultant at Fortis,&nbsp;suggested that air purifying plants like Aloe Vera, Ivy and Spider Plant should be kept at home and in offices.

Fruits rich in Vitamin C, magnesium, omega fatty acids should be consumed more to fight any allergy or infection, he added.

The air quality deteriorated on Tuesday with visibility levels dropping sharply. The low visibility affected flight services and movement of trains.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to the Centre seeking appointment with Union health minister. Kejriwal has termed Delhi a &#39;gas chamber&#39;.

The smog that has enveloped Delhi-NCR for the past two days has led to severe spike in the levels of particulate matters which can cause allergies or aggravate already existing allergies and decrease lung immunity.

The smog that has enveloped Delhi-NCR for the past two days has led to severe spike in the levels of particulate matters which can cause allergies or aggravate already existing allergies and decrease lung immunity. The PM2.5 and PM10 levels at Lodhi Road on Wednesday afternoon was 500, way above the prescribed safety limit of 60. The weather department has predicted similar situation to prevail on Thursday as well. Doctors have issued a health advisory asking people to avoid outdoor activities like jogging and cycling. They say such a high level of air pollution can cause stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic and acute respiratory diseases. "A thick blanket of smog has engulfed Delhi-NCR, and many areas of Punjab and Haryana. This is going to continue for the next three days. The smog is a result of moisture in the air and very low wind speed," said Dr K Sathi Devi, a weather scientist. Many people are complaining of burning sensation in their eyes and difficulty in breathing. Vikas Maurya, senior consultant at Fortis, suggested that air purifying plants like Aloe Vera, Ivy and Spider Plant should be kept at home and in offices. Fruits rich in Vitamin C, magnesium, omega fatty acids should be consumed more to fight any allergy or infection, he added. The air quality deteriorated on Tuesday with visibility levels dropping sharply. The low visibility affected flight services and movement of trains. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to the Centre seeking appointment with Union health minister. Kejriwal has termed Delhi a 'gas chamber'.

Pollution levels: Here's how smog can harm you in 'gas chamber' Delhi

Skyrocketing pollution levels caused by a combined effect of smoke from stubble burning and moisture have turned Delhi into a &quot;gas chamber&quot; forcing authorities to order <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pollution-in-the-capital-primary-schools-to-be-closed-in-delhi-tomorrow-says-manish-sisodia-23681">all primary schools in the national capital to remain closed today</a>.

The Indian Medical Association has declared a &quot;public health emergency&quot; and appealed to the government to stop outdoor sports and other such activities in schools to protect the health of children.

Air quality remains &quot;severe&quot; areas like Delhi&#39;s Lodhi Garden. Various&nbsp;areas&nbsp;including Dwarka, India Gate, Dhaula Kuan and RK&nbsp;Puram remained covered in a thick haze.

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Thick <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smog</a> seen at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s Dhaula Kuan area. <a href="https://t.co/T33OlNVcqC">pic.twitter.com/T33OlNVcqC</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/928083477953527808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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A number of schools in Delhi suspended outdoor activities and advised parents to ensure their children wear masks.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced yesterday evening that primary schools in the national capital will remain closed on Wednesday.

Schools under all the three municipal corporations will be closed today in view of the pollution-related heavy smog, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation said in a statement. 
 
A number of schools in Delhi have suspended outdoor activities and advised parents to ensure their children wear masks.

The Delhi government has issued a health advisory for high-risk people, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and those suffering from asthma and heart ailments.

Schoolchildren and residents complained of itching in eyes this morning.

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We are facing problems, I have been experiencing itching in my eyes and throat: Student at a school in Delhi&#39;s Teen Murti Road area <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smog</a> <a href="https://t.co/N2ISQui4Y8">pic.twitter.com/N2ISQui4Y8</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/928095205273755648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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I am wearing a mask as my throat is itching because of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smog</a>: Raja, student at a school in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>. <a href="https://t.co/dY1DjLM9XV">pic.twitter.com/dY1DjLM9XV</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/928094760182603776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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This is very problematic, I cannot even take a few steps without this (inhaler), apart from breathing issues there is itching in eyes also: Aabid Hassan, resident <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smog</a> <a href="https://t.co/aFm8wSmilN">pic.twitter.com/aFm8wSmilN</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/928111256262778880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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People were seen wearing masks to work and outside their homes.

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Thick <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smog</a> cover in area around <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s Tansen Marg; people going to work seen wearing masks. (earlier visuals) <a href="https://t.co/EicQ03rFTO">pic.twitter.com/EicQ03rFTO</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/928110364906180613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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In view of rampant <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirPollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirPollution</a> people at a park in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s Dwarka seen wearing masks during morning walk. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smog</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wj4wiubs0I">pic.twitter.com/Wj4wiubs0I</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/928080112695701504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The poor quality of air, the season&#39;s worst yesterday, has left people gasping for breath and also prompted a series of sweeping measures including a four-fold hike in parking fees.&nbsp; 
 
The Central Pollution Control Board member secretary A Sudhakar informed Supreme Court mandated watchdog, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, that smoke-laden air from neighbouring Punjab and Haryana and moisture-heavy winds from the eastern region had combined with local pollutants triggering the situation.

&quot;We are not expecting a dramatic change in the next two-three days. Shallow fog is preventing the dissipation of pollutants at the ground level,&quot; Mr Sudhakar said. 
 
CPCB air laboratory chief Dipankar Saha said the haze cannot be called smog as Delhi&#39;s air does not have the presence of gaseous pollutants such as SOx or NO2 
(suplur oxides or nitrogen dioxides) beyond safe limits.

The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, empowered to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to contain emergency levels of pollution, announced that all measures under the plan&#39;s &quot;severe&quot; category will be implemented across the region till further notice.

It also directed the states in the region to start preparing for implementing measures like &#39;odd-even&#39; in light of the &quot;crisis situation&quot; and a complete ban on construction activities if pollution aggravates.

A thick blanket of haze enveloped Delhi yesterday, leading to falling visibility levels and affecting flight and train operations. The haze permeated living rooms and even the underground metro stations in the city making it difficult to breathe, turning eyes watery and producing burning sensation, PTI reported.

Poor visibility hampered flight operations, leading to delays in schedule of over 300 flights by up to two hours as only one of the three runways could be used while around 25 Delhi-bound trains were delayed.

The National Green Tribunal took the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana to task, seeking to know why steps to prevent steps were not taken despite knowing well in advance that such a situation was likely to arise.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted yesterday:&nbsp;

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Delhi has become a gas chamber. Every year this happens during this part of year. We have to find a soln to crop burning in adjoining states
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/927785134803136512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The air quality index (AQI), 448 in a scale of 500, was in the &quot;severe&quot; category for the second time this year. The AQI index even surpassed the level of 403 on the festival of Diwali on October 20.

The central government&#39;s System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) recorded 24-hour rolling averages of PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5 and PM 10 at a staggering 406 and 645 micrograms per cubic metre, way above the permissible limits of 60 and 100.

The real-time monitors of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), many of which stopped working as the concentration of pollutants went through the roof, recorded PM10 over 10 times the permissible limit at several areas.

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) attributed huge quantities of pollutant emissions in the Delhi-NCR and upwind regions from various sources for the rising levels of pollution.

TERI suggested closure of schools, the introduction of the odd-even car rationing scheme and allowing government and private employees to work from home as measures to tackle pollution.

&quot;We suggest stringent enforcement of the plan with emphasis on restricted entry of trucks other than those complying with BS-IV regulations... Extensive cleaning of roads using mechanised and manual mechanism,&quot; it said and added that schools be shut.

Greenpeace India said a systematic, time-bound and comprehensive action plan addressing all sources of pollution is the need of the hour.

It said the situation in Delhi-NCR is a result of the episodic event of crop biomass burning.

&quot;Delhi remains the epicenter of the pollution debate. However, Punjab, Haryana and most parts of northern India breath even worse quality of air,&quot; said Sunil Dahiya, campaigner, Greenpeace India. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Skyrocketing pollution levels caused by a combined effect of smoke from stubble burning and moisture have turned Delhi into a 'gas chamber' forcing all primary schools in Delhi to remain closed today

Skyrocketing pollution levels caused by a combined effect of smoke from stubble burning and moisture have turned Delhi into a "gas chamber" forcing authorities to order all primary schools in the national capital to remain closed today. The Indian Medical Association has declared a "public health emergency" and appealed to the government to stop outdoor sports and other such activities in schools to protect the health of children. Air quality remains "severe" areas like Delhi's Lodhi Garden. Various areas including Dwarka, India Gate, Dhaula Kuan and RK Puram remained covered in a thick haze. Thick #smog seen at #Delhi's Dhaula Kuan area. pic.twitter.com/T33OlNVcqC — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2017 × A number of schools in Delhi suspended outdoor activities and advised parents to ensure their children wear masks. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced yesterday evening that primary schools in the national capital will remain closed on Wednesday. Schools under all the three municipal corporations will be closed today in view of the pollution-related heavy smog, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation said in a statement. A number of schools in Delhi have suspended outdoor activities and advised parents to ensure their children wear masks. The Delhi government has issued a health advisory for high-risk people, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and those suffering from asthma and heart ailments. Schoolchildren and residents complained of itching in eyes this morning. We are facing problems, I have been experiencing itching in my eyes and throat: Student at a school in Delhi's Teen Murti Road area #smog pic.twitter.com/N2ISQui4Y8 — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2017 × I am wearing a mask as my throat is itching because of the #smog: Raja, student at a school in #Delhi. pic.twitter.com/dY1DjLM9XV — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2017 × This is very problematic, I cannot even take a few steps without this (inhaler), apart from breathing issues there is itching in eyes also: Aabid Hassan, resident #Delhi #smog pic.twitter.com/aFm8wSmilN — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2017 × People were seen wearing masks to work and outside their homes. Thick #smog cover in area around #Delhi's Tansen Marg; people going to work seen wearing masks. (earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/EicQ03rFTO — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2017 × In view of rampant #AirPollution people at a park in #Delhi's Dwarka seen wearing masks during morning walk. #smog pic.twitter.com/Wj4wiubs0I — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2017 × The poor quality of air, the season's worst yesterday, has left people gasping for breath and also prompted a series of sweeping measures including a four-fold hike in parking fees. The Central Pollution Control Board member secretary A Sudhakar informed Supreme Court mandated watchdog, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, that smoke-laden air from neighbouring Punjab and Haryana and moisture-heavy winds from the eastern region had combined with local pollutants triggering the situation. "We are not expecting a dramatic change in the next two-three days. Shallow fog is preventing the dissipation of pollutants at the ground level," Mr Sudhakar said. CPCB air laboratory chief Dipankar Saha said the haze cannot be called smog as Delhi's air does not have the presence of gaseous pollutants such as SOx or NO2 (suplur oxides or nitrogen dioxides) beyond safe limits. The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, empowered to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to contain emergency levels of pollution, announced that all measures under the plan's "severe" category will be implemented across the region till further notice. It also directed the states in the region to start preparing for implementing measures like 'odd-even' in light of the "crisis situation" and a complete ban on construction activities if pollution aggravates. A thick blanket of haze enveloped Delhi yesterday, leading to falling visibility levels and affecting flight and train operations. The haze permeated living rooms and even the underground metro stations in the city making it difficult to breathe, turning eyes watery and producing burning sensation, PTI reported. Poor visibility hampered flight operations, leading to delays in schedule of over 300 flights by up to two hours as only one of the three runways could be used while around 25 Delhi-bound trains were delayed. The National Green Tribunal took the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana to task, seeking to know why steps to prevent steps were not taken despite knowing well in advance that such a situation was likely to arise. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted yesterday: Delhi has become a gas chamber. Every year this happens during this part of year. We have to find a soln to crop burning in adjoining states — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 7, 2017 × The air quality index (AQI), 448 in a scale of 500, was in the "severe" category for the second time this year. The AQI index even surpassed the level of 403 on the festival of Diwali on October 20. The central government's System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) recorded 24-hour rolling averages of PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5 and PM 10 at a staggering 406 and 645 micrograms per cubic metre, way above the permissible limits of 60 and 100. The real-time monitors of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), many of which stopped working as the concentration of pollutants went through the roof, recorded PM10 over 10 times the permissible limit at several areas. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) attributed huge quantities of pollutant emissions in the Delhi-NCR and upwind regions from various sources for the rising levels of pollution. TERI suggested closure of schools, the introduction of the odd-even car rationing scheme and allowing government and private employees to work from home as measures to tackle pollution. "We suggest stringent enforcement of the plan with emphasis on restricted entry of trucks other than those complying with BS-IV regulations... Extensive cleaning of roads using mechanised and manual mechanism," it said and added that schools be shut. Greenpeace India said a systematic, time-bound and comprehensive action plan addressing all sources of pollution is the need of the hour. It said the situation in Delhi-NCR is a result of the episodic event of crop biomass burning. "Delhi remains the epicenter of the pollution debate. However, Punjab, Haryana and most parts of northern India breath even worse quality of air," said Sunil Dahiya, campaigner, Greenpeace India. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi pollution: Public health emergency declared, primary schools to remain closed today

The pollution level in Delhi is alarmingly high. According to doctors, breathing in the air outside is equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day.

This severe pollution is affecting people, not just on the roads but those sitting at the homes as well. The Delhi government is actively monitoring the situation and has asked for the schools to be closed. It is also the time for you to go for an air purifier for your home.

Here&rsquo;s a guide that can help you pick up the right air purifier:

Make sure the purifier is HEPA labelled: HEPA or high efficiency particulate air technology absorbs the particulate matter suspended in the air. It will help filter the air of your home, but needs to be replaced every few months.

Check for the range of the purifier: The clean air delivery rate in a filter should be more than 300 cubic metre, which will ensure that a room is covered fully.

High energy efficiency: Choose an air purifier that offers high energy efficiency. It should consume less amount of electricity, so check the specifications and don&rsquo;t go for more than 100 watts.

There are a lot of air purifiers available in the market, but don&rsquo;t just settle for anyone. Make sure it goes with your room size and has all the right things in place.

HERE&#39;S A COMPARISON OF DELHI&#39;S&nbsp;AIR QUALITY INDEX OVER THE LAST ONE WEEK

&nbsp;

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The deteriorating quality of air in Delhi over the last one week (WION)
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&nbsp;

The pollution level in Delhi is alarmingly high. According to doctors, breathing in the air outside is equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day.

The pollution level in Delhi is alarmingly high. According to doctors, breathing in the air outside is equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day. This severe pollution is affecting people, not just on the roads but those sitting at the homes as well. The Delhi government is actively monitoring the situation and has asked for the schools to be closed. It is also the time for you to go for an air purifier for your home. Here’s a guide that can help you pick up the right air purifier: Make sure the purifier is HEPA labelled: HEPA or high efficiency particulate air technology absorbs the particulate matter suspended in the air. It will help filter the air of your home, but needs to be replaced every few months. Check for the range of the purifier: The clean air delivery rate in a filter should be more than 300 cubic metre, which will ensure that a room is covered fully. High energy efficiency: Choose an air purifier that offers high energy efficiency. It should consume less amount of electricity, so check the specifications and don’t go for more than 100 watts. There are a lot of air purifiers available in the market, but don’t just settle for anyone. Make sure it goes with your room size and has all the right things in place. HERE'S A COMPARISON OF DELHI'S AIR QUALITY INDEX OVER THE LAST ONE WEEK The deteriorating quality of air in Delhi over the last one week (WION) ×

Delhi pollution: Tips to choose air purifier

New Delhi woke up to a choking blanket of smog on Tuesday as air quality in the world&#39;s most polluted capital city reached hazardous levels.

The US embassy website said levels of the fine pollutants known as PM2.5 that are most harmful to health reached 703&nbsp;well over double the threshold of 300 which authorities class as hazardous.

&quot;The moment I stepped out of my home I started coughing and there was a burning sensation in my eyes,&quot; said Naresh Yadav, a bank employee, as he walked to work in central Delhi.

&quot;The government can&#39;t solve this problem alone, people need to pitch in and help the government to protect the environment.&quot;

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Delhi&#39;s air quality typically worsens ahead of the onset of winter as cooler air traps pollutants near the ground, preventing them from dispersing into the atmosphere, a phenomenon known as inversion.

Firecrackers set off to celebrate the Diwali festival of lights in the city add to the toxic mix created by pollution from diesel engines, coal-fired power plants and industrial emissions.&nbsp;

The problem is further exacerbated by the burning of crop stubble by farmers after the harvest in north India, a practice that remains commonplace despite an official ban.

India&#39;s Central Pollution Control Board said high levels of moisture in the air and a lack of wind meant emissions had become trapped in the environment.

&quot;Total calm conditions, marked by the complete absence of wind, has led to the situation,&quot; Dipankar Saha, a senior executive with the board, told the Press Trust of India news agency.

&quot;The moisture has trapped emissions from ground-level sources.&quot;

The hashtag #smog was the top trending topic on Twitter early Tuesday as angry residents demanded stronger measures to curb pollution.

&quot;This is the state of air quality this morning in Delhi-NCR! Horrific!&quot; posted one resident beside a picture of thick smog.

&nbsp;

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The deteriorating quality of air in Delhi over the last one week (WION)
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&nbsp;

Unprecedented pollution levels this time last year forced schools to shut as authorities scrambled to contain the crisis.

The World Health Organization in 2014 classed New Delhi as the world&#39;s most polluted capital, with air quality levels worse than Beijing.

A report in the Lancet medical journal last month said pollution had claimed as many as 2.5 million lives in India in 2015, the highest in the world.

Last month an environmental watchdog ordered the shutting down of all diesel generators and the city&#39;s lone coal-fired power plant as part of a slew of measures to curb pollution.&nbsp; 
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PM2.5 pollutants are the most harmful to health

New Delhi woke up to a choking blanket of smog on Tuesday as air quality in the world's most polluted capital city reached hazardous levels. The US embassy website said levels of the fine pollutants known as PM2.5 that are most harmful to health reached 703 well over double the threshold of 300 which authorities class as hazardous. "The moment I stepped out of my home I started coughing and there was a burning sensation in my eyes," said Naresh Yadav, a bank employee, as he walked to work in central Delhi. "The government can't solve this problem alone, people need to pitch in and help the government to protect the environment." Delhi's air quality typically worsens ahead of the onset of winter as cooler air traps pollutants near the ground, preventing them from dispersing into the atmosphere, a phenomenon known as inversion × Delhi's air quality typically worsens ahead of the onset of winter as cooler air traps pollutants near the ground, preventing them from dispersing into the atmosphere, a phenomenon known as inversion. Firecrackers set off to celebrate the Diwali festival of lights in the city add to the toxic mix created by pollution from diesel engines, coal-fired power plants and industrial emissions. The problem is further exacerbated by the burning of crop stubble by farmers after the harvest in north India, a practice that remains commonplace despite an official ban. India's Central Pollution Control Board said high levels of moisture in the air and a lack of wind meant emissions had become trapped in the environment. "Total calm conditions, marked by the complete absence of wind, has led to the situation," Dipankar Saha, a senior executive with the board, told the Press Trust of India news agency. "The moisture has trapped emissions from ground-level sources." The hashtag #smog was the top trending topic on Twitter early Tuesday as angry residents demanded stronger measures to curb pollution. "This is the state of air quality this morning in Delhi-NCR! Horrific!" posted one resident beside a picture of thick smog. The deteriorating quality of air in Delhi over the last one week (WION) × Unprecedented pollution levels this time last year forced schools to shut as authorities scrambled to contain the crisis. The World Health Organization in 2014 classed New Delhi as the world's most polluted capital, with air quality levels worse than Beijing. A report in the Lancet medical journal last month said pollution had claimed as many as 2.5 million lives in India in 2015, the highest in the world. Last month an environmental watchdog ordered the shutting down of all diesel generators and the city's lone coal-fired power plant as part of a slew of measures to curb pollution.

Delhi smog: PM2.5 pollutants well over double what is considered hazardous

Delhi deputy chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/introduce-odd-even-scheme-for-private-cars-add-more-buses-epca-to-delhi-government-23678">Manish Sisodia said today primary schools will remain </a>closed on Wednesday as pollution levels in the city reached dangerous levels on Tuesday.

Sisodia said if the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cant-breath-again-heavy-smog-hit-delhi-this-morning-23650">pollution worsened then the odd-even scheme for private </a>vehicles will be back in the national capital.

&quot;Construction work will be stopped in Delhi,&quot; the deputy chief minister said.

Earlier in the day, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had asked Sisodia to shut down schools as the pollution levels rose alarmingly in the capital today.

A thick blanket of smog engulfed Delhi and its adjoining areas on Tuesday morning, with visibility dropping drastically. Many flights and trains were delayed.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) declared it a public health emergency and suggested schools to be to shut down and cancellation of the upcoming half marathon saying consequences of poor quality for runners could be &quot;disastrous&quot;.

The US embassy website said that levels of the fine pollutants, known as PM2.5 which are most harmful to health, reached 703 which was well over double the threshold of 300 that authorities term as &quot;hazardous&quot;.

Sisodia said if the pollution worsened then odd-even scheme for private vehicles will be back in the national capital.

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said today primary schools will remain closed on Wednesday as pollution levels in the city reached dangerous levels on Tuesday. Sisodia said if the pollution worsened then the odd-even scheme for private vehicles will be back in the national capital. "Construction work will be stopped in Delhi," the deputy chief minister said. Earlier in the day, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had asked Sisodia to shut down schools as the pollution levels rose alarmingly in the capital today. A thick blanket of smog engulfed Delhi and its adjoining areas on Tuesday morning, with visibility dropping drastically. Many flights and trains were delayed. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) declared it a public health emergency and suggested schools to be to shut down and cancellation of the upcoming half marathon saying consequences of poor quality for runners could be "disastrous". The US embassy website said that levels of the fine pollutants, known as PM2.5 which are most harmful to health, reached 703 which was well over double the threshold of 300 that authorities term as "hazardous".

Pollution in the capital: Primary schools to be closed in Delhi, says Manish Sisodia

The Capital will have to deal with the hazardous smog for a few more days. The Air Quality Index at ITO area stood at 317 on Tuesday which is considered as hazardous according to CPCB data. 
 
Residential area RK Puram AQI stood at 241 while Punjabi Bagh at 273. With winter setting in, the smog is likely to continue and the experts state that air quality is likely to worsen in the coming days with &#39;calm&#39; weather conditions not allowing dispersal of particulate matter easily.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s RK Puram at 241 &amp; Punjabi Bagh at 273 (Very unhealthy), ITO at 317 (Hazardous) in Air Quality Index
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/925557090990485505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&ldquo;The particulates in the air are not getting dispersed due to the lack of wind while a large gap between the natural temperature and dew point, at which water droplets begin to condense, are keeping the pollutants trapped and making them float in the air,&rdquo; CPCB&rsquo;s air lab head Dipankar Saha told PTI.&nbsp; 
 
The CPCB recorded an AQI (air quality index) of 351, which falls in the &lsquo;very poor&rsquo; category, on Tuesday. A &lsquo;very poor&rsquo; AQI comes with the warning that people may develop respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. Exposure to &#39;poor&#39;air also has adverse health effects on healthy people as well those already suffering from respiratory illness.&nbsp; 
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The Air Quality Index at ITO area stood at 317 on Tuesday which is considered as hazardous according to CPCB data

The Capital will have to deal with the hazardous smog for a few more days. The Air Quality Index at ITO area stood at 317 on Tuesday which is considered as hazardous according to CPCB data. Residential area RK Puram AQI stood at 241 while Punjabi Bagh at 273. With winter setting in, the smog is likely to continue and the experts state that air quality is likely to worsen in the coming days with 'calm' weather conditions not allowing dispersal of particulate matter easily. #Delhi's RK Puram at 241 & Punjabi Bagh at 273 (Very unhealthy), ITO at 317 (Hazardous) in Air Quality Index — ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2017 × “The particulates in the air are not getting dispersed due to the lack of wind while a large gap between the natural temperature and dew point, at which water droplets begin to condense, are keeping the pollutants trapped and making them float in the air,” CPCB’s air lab head Dipankar Saha told PTI. The CPCB recorded an AQI (air quality index) of 351, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category, on Tuesday. A ‘very poor’ AQI comes with the warning that people may develop respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. Exposure to 'poor'air also has adverse health effects on healthy people as well those already suffering from respiratory illness.

Air quality in Delhi likely to worsen in coming days

Seeking assistance in lowering the pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi government has written to the Centre asking for aerial sprinkling of water through helicopter.

In a letter to Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi&rsquo;s Environment Minister Imran Hussain has said that Delhi government is ready to bear the cost of the exercise.

&quot;In view of the continuous poor air quality in Delhi, it is requested that your good office may kindly propose to Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India to carry out an exercise to sprinkle water aerially through helicopter/aircraft to settle particulate matters in Delhi. Government of NCT of Delhi is willing to bear the expenses from Air Ambience Fund of DPCC,&quot; Hussain said in his letter.

READ THE FULL LETTER BELOW:

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Delhi minister&#39;s letter to Harsh Vardhan (WION)
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Delhi registered a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/environment-minister-claims-very-good-air-quality-in-delhi-anand-vihar-continues-to-show-hazardous-aqi-22737">marginal drop in pollution levels</a> in days after Diwali, but many areas of the national capital have very poor air quality. With and Air Quality Index (AQI) of 569, the pollution levels at Delhi&#39;s Anand Vihar was marked&nbsp;&quot;Hazardous&quot; whereas the air quality at RK Puram and ITO was rated &quot;Very Unhealthy&quot; with 239 and 251&nbsp;(AQI) respectively.

This comes days after Harsh Vardhan tweeted to say that the&nbsp;air quality in Delhi has been very good this year.&nbsp;

&quot;We are on the right path,&#39;&#39; the minister said and added that good days have improved.

The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-lift-ban-on-firecrackers-in-delhi-ncr-says-its-an-experiment-for-1-year-22393">Supreme Court had recently banned sale of firecrackers</a>&nbsp;to regulate the pollution caused by crackers during Diwali this year.

Delhi registered a marginal drop in pollution levels in days after Diwali, but many areas of the national capital have very poor air quality.

Seeking assistance in lowering the pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi government has written to the Centre asking for aerial sprinkling of water through helicopter. In a letter to Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi’s Environment Minister Imran Hussain has said that Delhi government is ready to bear the cost of the exercise. "In view of the continuous poor air quality in Delhi, it is requested that your good office may kindly propose to Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India to carry out an exercise to sprinkle water aerially through helicopter/aircraft to settle particulate matters in Delhi. Government of NCT of Delhi is willing to bear the expenses from Air Ambience Fund of DPCC," Hussain said in his letter. READ THE FULL LETTER BELOW: Delhi minister's letter to Harsh Vardhan (WION) × Delhi registered a marginal drop in pollution levels in days after Diwali, but many areas of the national capital have very poor air quality. With and Air Quality Index (AQI) of 569, the pollution levels at Delhi's Anand Vihar was marked "Hazardous" whereas the air quality at RK Puram and ITO was rated "Very Unhealthy" with 239 and 251 (AQI) respectively. This comes days after Harsh Vardhan tweeted to say that the air quality in Delhi has been very good this year. "We are on the right path,'' the minister said and added that good days have improved. The Supreme Court had recently banned sale of firecrackers to regulate the pollution caused by crackers during Diwali this year.

To curb pollution, Delhi govt wants aerial sprinkling of water, ready to pay the bill

A Supreme Court-appointed watchdog has banned diesel sets in the national capital from Tuesday.

The move by the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) comes after the air quality index in Delhi fell to the &quot;very poor&quot; category and as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to improve Delhi&#39;s air quality during the high pollution winter kicked in, the Times of India reported.

The EPCA has also ensured a slew of other anti-pollution measures from Tuesday including the closure of the pollutant-emitting Badarpur thermal power plant, monitoring of trucks entering Delhi, mechanised sweeping of roads and the of brick kilns which do not use the zig-zag technology.

The ban on diesel gensets will remain in place till March 15, 2018, the report said.

Marketplaces, housing societies, malls and the upcoming wedding season will bear the brunt of the ban.

The ban will not apply to &quot;essential services&quot; such as hospitals, metro and mobile towers.

&quot;We already have a list of places which have applied for exemptions,&quot; environmentalist and EPCA member Sunita Narain was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

The full list of exemptions will be released today.

The move by the Environment Pollution Control Authority comes after the air quality index in Delhi fell to 'very poor'

A Supreme Court-appointed watchdog has banned diesel sets in the national capital from Tuesday. The move by the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) comes after the air quality index in Delhi fell to the "very poor" category and as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to improve Delhi's air quality during the high pollution winter kicked in, the Times of India reported. The EPCA has also ensured a slew of other anti-pollution measures from Tuesday including the closure of the pollutant-emitting Badarpur thermal power plant, monitoring of trucks entering Delhi, mechanised sweeping of roads and the of brick kilns which do not use the zig-zag technology. The ban on diesel gensets will remain in place till March 15, 2018, the report said. Marketplaces, housing societies, malls and the upcoming wedding season will bear the brunt of the ban. The ban will not apply to "essential services" such as hospitals, metro and mobile towers. "We already have a list of places which have applied for exemptions," environmentalist and EPCA member Sunita Narain was quoted as saying. The full list of exemptions will be released today.

Delhi: Pollution watchdog bans diesel generators till March 15

The figures of the Air Quality Index in Delhi have revealed a further rise in pollution level.

Anand Vihar came under the &quot;hazardous level&quot;&nbsp;with&nbsp;388 Air Quality Index.&nbsp;

Punjabi Bagh with 296 and Shadipur&nbsp;at 254 were counted as &quot;very&nbsp;unhealthy&quot;.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s Anand Vihar at 388 (Hazardous) on Air Quality Index, Punjabi Bagh at 296 (Very unhealthy), Shadipur at 254 (Very Unhealthy). <a href="https://t.co/q6EsqtaeC4">pic.twitter.com/q6EsqtaeC4</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/920509584103571456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The pollution level in Delhi has been rising&nbsp;consistently due to recent stubble burning in and around Delhi.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-lift-ban-on-firecrackers-in-delhi-ncr-says-its-an-experiment-for-1-year-22393" target="_blank">Supreme Court had also put a ban on firecrackers</a> to regulate the pollution caused by crackers in Diwali.&nbsp;

Punjabi Bagh with 296 and Shadipur?at 254 was counted as 'very?unhealthy'

The figures of the Air Quality Index in Delhi have revealed a further rise in pollution level. Anand Vihar came under the "hazardous level" with 388 Air Quality Index. Punjabi Bagh with 296 and Shadipur at 254 were counted as "very unhealthy". #Delhi's Anand Vihar at 388 (Hazardous) on Air Quality Index, Punjabi Bagh at 296 (Very unhealthy), Shadipur at 254 (Very Unhealthy). pic.twitter.com/q6EsqtaeC4 — ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2017 × The pollution level in Delhi has been rising consistently due to recent stubble burning in and around Delhi. The Supreme Court had also put a ban on firecrackers to regulate the pollution caused by crackers in Diwali.

Delhi air quality deteriorates further, Anand Vihar at hazardous level

Delhi tops the list of 20 most polluted cities in India, a country where 1.2 million deaths take place every year due to air pollution, according to a Greenpeace India report published today.

It also claimed that none of the 168 cities it assessed complies with air quality standards prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to the report, 1.2 million deaths take place every year in India due to air pollution, which is only a &quot;fraction less&quot; than that caused by tobacco usage, and three per cent of the GDP is lost due to air pollution.

The report said that only a &quot;few&quot; cities in southern India comply with air quality standards prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and pinpointed fossil fuels as one of the &quot;main culprits&quot; for the deteriorating air quality across the country.

&quot;The top 20 most polluted cities have PM 10 levels between 268 &micro;g/m3 and 168 &micro;g/m3 for the year 2015. While&nbsp;Delhi tops the list with 268 &micro;g/m3, it is followed closely by Ghaziabad, Allahabad, and Bareli in Uttar Pradesh; Faridabad in Haryana; Jharia in Jharkhand; Alwar in Rajasthan; Ranchi, Kusunda and Bastacola in Jharkhand; Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh; and Patna in Bihar with PM10 levels ranging from 258 &micro;g/m3to 200 &micro;g/m3,&quot; the report titled &#39;Airpocalypse&#39; said.

The information was obtained through online reports and Right to Information applications from State Pollution Control Boards across India and assessment of air quality was done in 168 cities across 24 states and Union territories.

&quot;This report shows that deadly air pollution is not a problem restricted to Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) or even to India&#39;s metros. It is a national problem that is killing 1.2 million Indians every year and costing the economy an estimated 3 per cent of GDP.

&quot;If the country&#39;s development is important, fighting air pollution has to be a priority,&quot; the report said.

The assessment of air pollution levels for Delhi highlighted that PM10 concentrations are 268 &micro;g/m3 for year 2015, which were at 4.5 times higher than the NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards) annual limit set by CPCB and about 13 times the annual limit set by WHO for PM10.

Detailed observation of the data suggests that PM10 levels have been very high throughout 2015 for Delhi with October to February being the severely polluted months when the PM10 concentrations even touched 500 &micro;g/m3.

(PTI)

It also claimed that none of the 168 cities it assessed complies with air quality standards prescribed by the World Health Organisation

Delhi tops the list of 20 most polluted cities in India, a country where 1.2 million deaths take place every year due to air pollution, according to a Greenpeace India report published today. It also claimed that none of the 168 cities it assessed complies with air quality standards prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the report, 1.2 million deaths take place every year in India due to air pollution, which is only a "fraction less" than that caused by tobacco usage, and three per cent of the GDP is lost due to air pollution. The report said that only a "few" cities in southern India comply with air quality standards prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and pinpointed fossil fuels as one of the "main culprits" for the deteriorating air quality across the country. "The top 20 most polluted cities have PM 10 levels between 268 µg/m3 and 168 µg/m3 for the year 2015. While Delhi tops the list with 268 µg/m3, it is followed closely by Ghaziabad, Allahabad, and Bareli in Uttar Pradesh; Faridabad in Haryana; Jharia in Jharkhand; Alwar in Rajasthan; Ranchi, Kusunda and Bastacola in Jharkhand; Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh; and Patna in Bihar with PM10 levels ranging from 258 µg/m3to 200 µg/m3," the report titled 'Airpocalypse' said. The information was obtained through online reports and Right to Information applications from State Pollution Control Boards across India and assessment of air quality was done in 168 cities across 24 states and Union territories. "This report shows that deadly air pollution is not a problem restricted to Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) or even to India's metros. It is a national problem that is killing 1.2 million Indians every year and costing the economy an estimated 3 per cent of GDP. "If the country's development is important, fighting air pollution has to be a priority," the report said. The assessment of air pollution levels for Delhi highlighted that PM10 concentrations are 268 µg/m3 for year 2015, which were at 4.5 times higher than the NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards) annual limit set by CPCB and about 13 times the annual limit set by WHO for PM10. Detailed observation of the data suggests that PM10 levels have been very high throughout 2015 for Delhi with October to February being the severely polluted months when the PM10 concentrations even touched 500 µg/m3. (PTI)

Air pollution kills 1.2 million in India annually, Delhi most polluted city: Greenpeace report

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