Alleging the failure to implement “biologically meaningful closures” to fishing around six penguin colonies in South Africa, NGOs in the likes of BirdLife South Africa and Southern African Foundation have now dragged South Africa's minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Barbara Creecy, to court.

It is vital to note that these six penguin colonies account for 76% of the global African penguin population. Last year in July the international review panel appointed by the minister conveyed in their report that targeted fishing closures around penguin colonies “would be likely to benefit penguin conservation”.

Reportedly, the minister evaded some of the key recommendations made by her own appointed panel. Besides penguins, another endangered bird species Cape Cormorant also stands to benefit from this ban as it also feeds predominantly on small pelagic fish.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-scientists-from-jnu-develop-new-vaccine-to-fight-malaria-724535">Indian scientists from JNU develop new vaccine to fight Malaria</a>

Additionally, &nbsp;small-scale handline fishers have welcomed the proposals, as many of the species they target feed on sardines and anchovies. Over the period of 120 years, African penguins have undergone a significant decline of over 99%. If the same rate of decline is further continued, these Penguins will be extinct by 2035.

Keeping aside the problem of penguin extinction, this decline is also bound to dent the South African tourism industry. Notably, it contributes 311m rand (£13m) a year to the local economy, as per a 2018 study on the colony at Boulders Beach in Cape Town.&nbsp;

However, &nbsp;the fisher union has opined against the court's verdict. Citing the South African pelagic fishing industry, the Guardian reported, " &nbsp;“Contrary to environmental NGOs’ statements in the media that the main driver is the purse-seine fishing industry, the impact of fishing [on penguin numbers] is small. The “environmental NGOs” had delayed a “process that is tasked with establishing what are the main drivers causing the decline in penguin numbers”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alleging the failure to implement “biologically meaningful closures” to fishing around six penguin colonies in South Africa, NGOs in the likes of BirdLife South Africa and Southern African Foundation have now dragged South Africa's minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Barbara Creecy, to court.

Alleging the failure to implement “biologically meaningful closures” to fishing around six penguin colonies in South Africa, NGOs in the likes of BirdLife South Africa and Southern African Foundation have now dragged South Africa's minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Barbara Creecy, to court. It is vital to note that these six penguin colonies account for 76% of the global African penguin population. Last year in July the international review panel appointed by the minister conveyed in their report that targeted fishing closures around penguin colonies “would be likely to benefit penguin conservation”. Reportedly, the minister evaded some of the key recommendations made by her own appointed panel. Besides penguins, another endangered bird species Cape Cormorant also stands to benefit from this ban as it also feeds predominantly on small pelagic fish. Also read: Indian scientists from JNU develop new vaccine to fight Malaria Additionally, small-scale handline fishers have welcomed the proposals, as many of the species they target feed on sardines and anchovies. Over the period of 120 years, African penguins have undergone a significant decline of over 99%. If the same rate of decline is further continued, these Penguins will be extinct by 2035. Keeping aside the problem of penguin extinction, this decline is also bound to dent the South African tourism industry. Notably, it contributes 311m rand (£13m) a year to the local economy, as per a 2018 study on the colony at Boulders Beach in Cape Town. However, the fisher union has opined against the court's verdict. Citing the South African pelagic fishing industry, the Guardian reported, " “Contrary to environmental NGOs’ statements in the media that the main driver is the purse-seine fishing industry, the impact of fishing [on penguin numbers] is small. The “environmental NGOs” had delayed a “process that is tasked with establishing what are the main drivers causing the decline in penguin numbers”. (With inputs from agencies)

Penguin conservation failure: NGOs drag South Africa’s Environment Minister to court

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday called upon the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) to work closely to protect the interests of developing countries and urged that climate finance cannot continue at the levels decided in 2009 and should be increased to at least 1 trillion dollars to meet the goals of addressing climate change.

Speaking at the ministerial meeting of the LMDC held on the sidelines of COP 26 in Glasgow, Yadav underlined the unity and strength of LMDC as fundamental in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations to preserve the interest of the Global South in the fight against climate change. The participating countries in the meeting included India, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

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Yadav highlighted that recognition of the current challenges being faced by developing countries required intensified multilateral cooperation, not intensified global economic and geopolitical competition and trade wars.

The environment minister also underscored that under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is working on ambitious climate actions in line with sustainable development priorities.

He requested the LMDC members to join hands with India to support the global initiatives it has pioneered, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT).

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/life-to-net-zero-emissions-key-takeaways-from-pm-modis-historic-cop26-speech-426012">&nbsp;'LIFE' to 'net zero emissions: Key takeaways from PM Modi's historic COP26 speech</a>

The Minister also appreciated the efforts of the Third World Network (TWN) for its support to LMDC and expressed the need to ensure resources to TWN.

Yadav called upon the LMDC countries to work closely to protect the interests of developing countries, including the need to ensure a balanced outcome with equal treatment to all agenda items including finance, adaptation, market mechanisms, response measures, and decisions on delivery of transfer of environment-friendly technologies.

The countries collectively underscored that it needs to be ensured that the voices of the LMDC countries are heard loud and clear.

The outcomes of COP 26 must respect the fundamental principles of the Convention, including equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC).

The developed countries must provide means of implementation to developing countries in terms of climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building.

They highlighted about the empty promises of the developed countries and inability to deliver the USD 100 billion per year by 2020. They also called upon the speedy finalisation of the Paris Rulebook.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday called upon the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) to work closely to protect the interests of developing countries and urged that climate finance cannot continue at the levels decided in 2009 and should be increased to at least 1 trillion dollars to meet the goals of addressing climate change.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday called upon the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) to work closely to protect the interests of developing countries and urged that climate finance cannot continue at the levels decided in 2009 and should be increased to at least 1 trillion dollars to meet the goals of addressing climate change. Speaking at the ministerial meeting of the LMDC held on the sidelines of COP 26 in Glasgow, Yadav underlined the unity and strength of LMDC as fundamental in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations to preserve the interest of the Global South in the fight against climate change. The participating countries in the meeting included India, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Also Read | COP26: Major takeaways from PM Modi's speech at the climate summit Yadav highlighted that recognition of the current challenges being faced by developing countries required intensified multilateral cooperation, not intensified global economic and geopolitical competition and trade wars. The environment minister also underscored that under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is working on ambitious climate actions in line with sustainable development priorities. He requested the LMDC members to join hands with India to support the global initiatives it has pioneered, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). Also Read | 'LIFE' to 'net zero emissions: Key takeaways from PM Modi's historic COP26 speech The Minister also appreciated the efforts of the Third World Network (TWN) for its support to LMDC and expressed the need to ensure resources to TWN. Yadav called upon the LMDC countries to work closely to protect the interests of developing countries, including the need to ensure a balanced outcome with equal treatment to all agenda items including finance, adaptation, market mechanisms, response measures, and decisions on delivery of transfer of environment-friendly technologies. The countries collectively underscored that it needs to be ensured that the voices of the LMDC countries are heard loud and clear. The outcomes of COP 26 must respect the fundamental principles of the Convention, including equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). The developed countries must provide means of implementation to developing countries in terms of climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building. They highlighted about the empty promises of the developed countries and inability to deliver the USD 100 billion per year by 2020. They also called upon the speedy finalisation of the Paris Rulebook.

India calls for hike in climate finance to $1 trillion

Flames are ravaging Brazil's Pantanal, the world's largest wetland, approaching the region's main highway and threatening endangered species amid a near-record number of fires.

Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-vows-to-fight-illegal-deforestation-in-brazil-240639">Deforestation in Brazil's rainforest</a> has jumped around 67 per cent in the first seven months of the year, according to preliminary data from Brazil's space research agency, which the government has attacked as misleading and harmful to the national interest.

The monitoring system registered destruction of 2,255 square kilometres (557,223 acres) of the Amazon forest in July, more than triple the 597 square kilometres spotted on July 2018, according to National Institute for Space Research (INPE). That is nearly the landmass of Luxembourg and the most monthly deforestation registered by INPE in years.

The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest, a bulwark against global warming often called the "lungs of the world" because of the vast amounts of carbon it soaks up. Brazil contains roughly 60 per cent of the rainforest.

Environmentalists and researchers<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jair-bolsonaro-defends-child-labour-in-brazil-sparking-outcry-233674"> blame President Jair Bolsonaro's</a> rhetoric in favour of economic development in the Amazon for emboldening loggers, ranchers, and informal miners since he assumed office in January.

Bolsonaro has vehemently criticized the data from INPE and fired the head of the agency on Friday over what he called "lies" that hurt the country's trade talks.

"News like this that does not match the truth causes great damage to the image of Brazil," Bolsonaro said in a press conference last week.

However, the space research agency, independent scientists and environmentalists have defended the data as accurate.&nbsp;

Fired INPE director Ricardo Galvao told Reuters on Saturday that he continued to defend the figures as showing an "undeniable" spike in deforestation.

Due to cloud cover and other factors, deforestation registered in a certain month may have happened in a prior month, Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said last week.&nbsp;

At a news conference with Bolsonaro, the minister suggested that discrepancies of that kind made it impossible to trust the data.

Salles said deforestation should only be measured with more exact annual figures, published in the so-called PRODES data series, instead of the rapid-response DETER data, which is updated almost daily.

Yet comparing longer periods - the first seven months of the year, for example - virtually eliminates concerns over when the deforestation took place, according to Tasso Azevedo, coordinator of geographic initiative MapBiomas.&nbsp;

MapBiomas is a collaboration between universities, non-profit groups and technology companies to monitor deforestation, drawing from several different sources including INPE data.

Tasso called the government criticism of the DETER data baseless, estimating its accuracy at more than 90 per cent.

Sharp rises in the rapid-response data have consistently corresponded with an increase in the year-end figure, he added.

The annual PRODES figures have always shown even worse deforestation than detected by the faster DETER data over the past decade.

"Why does (Salles) spend so much time trying to say that the alerts happened earlier or later when he could use the same time to take some action," Azevedo said.

"Instead of indicating what they're doing to reduce deforestation, they're criticizing the deforestation data."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Deforestation in Brazil's rainforest has jumped around 67 per cent in the first seven months of the year, according to preliminary data from Brazil's space research agency, which the government has attacked as misleading and harmful to the national interest.

Deforestation in Brazil's rainforest has jumped around 67 per cent in the first seven months of the year, according to preliminary data from Brazil's space research agency, which the government has attacked as misleading and harmful to the national interest. The monitoring system registered destruction of 2,255 square kilometres (557,223 acres) of the Amazon forest in July, more than triple the 597 square kilometres spotted on July 2018, according to National Institute for Space Research (INPE). That is nearly the landmass of Luxembourg and the most monthly deforestation registered by INPE in years. The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest, a bulwark against global warming often called the "lungs of the world" because of the vast amounts of carbon it soaks up. Brazil contains roughly 60 per cent of the rainforest. Environmentalists and researchers blame President Jair Bolsonaro's rhetoric in favour of economic development in the Amazon for emboldening loggers, ranchers, and informal miners since he assumed office in January. Bolsonaro has vehemently criticized the data from INPE and fired the head of the agency on Friday over what he called "lies" that hurt the country's trade talks. "News like this that does not match the truth causes great damage to the image of Brazil," Bolsonaro said in a press conference last week. However, the space research agency, independent scientists and environmentalists have defended the data as accurate. Fired INPE director Ricardo Galvao told Reuters on Saturday that he continued to defend the figures as showing an "undeniable" spike in deforestation. Due to cloud cover and other factors, deforestation registered in a certain month may have happened in a prior month, Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said last week. At a news conference with Bolsonaro, the minister suggested that discrepancies of that kind made it impossible to trust the data. Salles said deforestation should only be measured with more exact annual figures, published in the so-called PRODES data series, instead of the rapid-response DETER data, which is updated almost daily. Yet comparing longer periods - the first seven months of the year, for example - virtually eliminates concerns over when the deforestation took place, according to Tasso Azevedo, coordinator of geographic initiative MapBiomas. MapBiomas is a collaboration between universities, non-profit groups and technology companies to monitor deforestation, drawing from several different sources including INPE data. Tasso called the government criticism of the DETER data baseless, estimating its accuracy at more than 90 per cent. Sharp rises in the rapid-response data have consistently corresponded with an increase in the year-end figure, he added. The annual PRODES figures have always shown even worse deforestation than detected by the faster DETER data over the past decade. "Why does (Salles) spend so much time trying to say that the alerts happened earlier or later when he could use the same time to take some action," Azevedo said. "Instead of indicating what they're doing to reduce deforestation, they're criticizing the deforestation data."

Brazil deforestation climbs 67% through July as government attacks data

Kailash Gahlot, a minister in the Delhi government, was given the additional portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wildlife after a minor reshuffle in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-manish-sisodia-get-bail-in-defamation-suit-filed-by-bjps-vijender-gupta-236391&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz74WQurnjAhXp63MBHY9aDSUQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Hbzh5HhkONuHSWl-pRO9M">Arvind Kejriwal</a> government on July 13.

"Consequent upon the allocation of the aforesaid portfolio to Kailash Gahlot, Minister, the portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wild Life earlier allocated to Imran Hussain, Minister, stands withdrawn," read the official notification.

The decision was taken by Lt Governor Anil Baijal in consultation with Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi.&nbsp;

Imran Hussain will now be holding only two portfolios- Food and Supply and Election.

After the reshuffle, Gahlot will now be dealing with five portfolios- Administrative Reforms; Information &amp; Technology; Law, Justice &amp; Legislative Affairs; Transport; Revenue; and Environment, Forest &amp; Wildlife.&nbsp;

Kailash Gahlot, a minister in the Delhi government, was given the additional portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wildlife after a minor reshuffle in the Arvind Kejriwal government on July 13.

Kailash Gahlot, a minister in the Delhi government, was given the additional portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wildlife after a minor reshuffle in the Arvind Kejriwal government on July 13. "Consequent upon the allocation of the aforesaid portfolio to Kailash Gahlot, Minister, the portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wild Life earlier allocated to Imran Hussain, Minister, stands withdrawn," read the official notification. The decision was taken by Lt Governor Anil Baijal in consultation with Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi. Imran Hussain will now be holding only two portfolios- Food and Supply and Election. After the reshuffle, Gahlot will now be dealing with five portfolios- Administrative Reforms; Information & Technology; Law, Justice & Legislative Affairs; Transport; Revenue; and Environment, Forest & Wildlife.

Delhi: Kailash Gahlot appointed as new environment minister

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/leading-brexit-donors-say-britain-will-reverse-decision-to-leave-eu-189596">Britain</a> on Monday pledged to fight air pollution and introduce new legislation this year on air quality to save lives and billions of pounds for the economy.

The government said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-yellow-vest-protesters-rally-in-central-london-189913">Britain would become the first major economy</a> to adopt air quality goals based on World Health Organization recommendations regarding people's exposure to particulate matter.

"Air pollution continues to shorten lives, harm our children and reduce quality of life. We must take strong, urgent action," environment minister Michael Gove said in a statement.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it aimed to reduce the costs of air pollution to society by 1.7 billion pounds every year by 2020, increasing to 5.3 billion pounds every year from 2030.

Last year, the government published plans to reduce emissions from cars and planes. In addition to cars, diesel-only trains will also be phased out by 2040.

The strategy, which also looks to tackle home, farming and industrial pollutants, commits Britain to halve the number of people who live in areas breaching WHO guidelines on pollution as poor air quality in British cities comes under scrutiny.

On Friday, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox gave consent for a new inquest to be opened into the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah, a nine-year-old asthma sufferer who died in 2013, after her family argued that the initial inquest ignored the role air pollution might have played in her death.

A petition to Cox by the family said there was evidence Kissi-Debrah's hospital visits were linked to illegal levels on air pollution near her home in South London. Cox said that the evidence meant the family could apply for a new inquest at the High Court.

She would be the first person in Britain to have her death legally linked to air pollution as charities and pressure groups bid to raise awareness of the impact poor air quality has on health.

"Thousands of lives are lost every year in the UK because the air we breathe contains dangerous particles," said Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation, adding the strategy need matching with legislative action.

"We urgently need these guidelines adopted into national law, to accelerate coordinated, bold and ambitious action that will protect people's heart and circulatory health wherever they live in the UK."

'Air pollution continues to shorten lives, harm our children and reduce quality of life. We must take strong, urgent action,' environment minister Michael Gove said.

Britain on Monday pledged to fight air pollution and introduce new legislation this year on air quality to save lives and billions of pounds for the economy. The government said Britain would become the first major economy to adopt air quality goals based on World Health Organization recommendations regarding people's exposure to particulate matter. "Air pollution continues to shorten lives, harm our children and reduce quality of life. We must take strong, urgent action," environment minister Michael Gove said in a statement. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it aimed to reduce the costs of air pollution to society by 1.7 billion pounds every year by 2020, increasing to 5.3 billion pounds every year from 2030. Last year, the government published plans to reduce emissions from cars and planes. In addition to cars, diesel-only trains will also be phased out by 2040. The strategy, which also looks to tackle home, farming and industrial pollutants, commits Britain to halve the number of people who live in areas breaching WHO guidelines on pollution as poor air quality in British cities comes under scrutiny. On Friday, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox gave consent for a new inquest to be opened into the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah, a nine-year-old asthma sufferer who died in 2013, after her family argued that the initial inquest ignored the role air pollution might have played in her death. A petition to Cox by the family said there was evidence Kissi-Debrah's hospital visits were linked to illegal levels on air pollution near her home in South London. Cox said that the evidence meant the family could apply for a new inquest at the High Court. She would be the first person in Britain to have her death legally linked to air pollution as charities and pressure groups bid to raise awareness of the impact poor air quality has on health. "Thousands of lives are lost every year in the UK because the air we breathe contains dangerous particles," said Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation, adding the strategy need matching with legislative action. "We urgently need these guidelines adopted into national law, to accelerate coordinated, bold and ambitious action that will protect people's heart and circulatory health wherever they live in the UK."

Britain pledges legislation to adopt air quality goals based on WHO

As Delhi's air quality remained on the brink of turning "severe", the Centre Thursday said steps taken by states to control stubble burning were "far from satisfactory" as the environment ministers of four states, including Punjab and Haryana, where the practice is rampant, skipped a crucial meet to discuss the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

A ban on construction activities came into force on Thursday as Delhi's air quality was on the brink of turning "severe" due to stubble burning in the adjoining regions and unfavourable meteorological conditions, authorities&nbsp;said.

The meeting called by Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan ahead of Diwali to discuss the plan for the next 10 days, when the pollution level is expected to spike, witnessed the participation of Delhi's Environment Minister Imran Hussain apart from officials of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana.

Delhi's air quality has severely deteriorated in the past two weeks and is currently oscillating between "very poor" and "severe" categories.

The absence of environment ministers from the crucial meet was questioned by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Cabinet colleague, who said neighbouring states should take the issue of air pollution "seriously".

"Why didn't ministers from other states attend? It's a collective problem and I urge everyone to please work together. Only then can we find a soln (sic)." Kejriwal tweeted.

Hussain said the Delhi government had been urging the Centre to intervene and give farmers resources so they do not have to depend on stubble burning.

"Today also, you saw that ministers from Haryana, Punjab, UP and Rajasthan did not attend the meeting by the Union Environment Minister.&nbsp; 
Seriousness is needed to deal with the issue of increasing pollution in the national capital," he said.

However, Vardhan said the issue of air pollution "should not be politicised" and everyone should cooperate fully to protect the environment, while stressing the need for an "aggressive" plan to combat air pollution in Delhi.&nbsp;

Union Minister Vijay Goel blamed Kejriwal for polluting Delhi.

Amid a rise in health-related problems due to air pollution, Vardhan launched a manual on asthma, detailing how school administrations must act in case of an emergency.

The Delhi government also told the Supreme Court on Thursday that out of 1.10 crore vehicles registered in the national capital, 40 lakh "overage" vehicles more than 15 years old in case of petrol and over 10 years old for diesel have been de-registered by the transport department.

This information was shared as the top court expressed displeasure that orders passed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court in 2015, prohibiting the plying of such old vehicles in the Delhi-national capital region (NCR), had not yet been complied with.

Harsh Vardhan underlined that despite a decrease in incidents of stubble burning by 30 per cent from the previous year, more needed to be done, while asking the Delhi government to ensure 100 per cent stoppage of open burning of domestic and industrial wastes.

An aggressive 10 day-long "Clean Air Campaign" was also launched by Harsh Vardhan. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee, meanwhile, directed the transport department and the traffic police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region during November 1-10.

The building department has also fined owners of 39 sites for not complying with its directives to check pollution and a fine of Rs 8 lakh was imposed on them.&nbsp;

Moreover, a total penalty of Rs 6.60 lakh was also imposed for causing dust pollution, NDMC authorities said.&nbsp;

A total of 4,385 vehicles have been prosecuted for plying without valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) during October, Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic), said.&nbsp;

Around 177 vehicles have been prosecuted for carrying uncovered building material and amount of Rs 3,54,000 has been imposed as penalty on such vehicles, he said.

At the border check-posts of Delhi, a total of 70,480 vehicles were checked, out of which 1,738 vehicles not destined for Delhi were made to turn back and take other routes to reach their destinations, he said.

Apart from that, a total of 1,89,290 vehicles were checked this year till October 31, of which 391 vehicles were impounded as they were "overage", Kumar said.

Further, to decongest city roads, reduce the travel time of motorists, save fuel and reduce pollution, a total of 10,23,156 vehicles were prosecuted for obstructive and improper parking, he added.

On Thursday, Gurgaon, Faridabad and Noida recorded an AQI of 416, which falls in the "severe" category, while air quality was "very poor" in Ghaziabad and Greater Noida. Eleven areas in Delhi recorded "severe" air quality while 16 areas recorded "very poor" air quality, according to the CPCB data.

The PM2.5 level was recorded at 217. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres).

As per the CPCB data, the PM10 level in Delhi stood at 368. The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said the AQI of Delhi-NCR would continue to remain in the upper range of the "very poor" category in the next three days.

As Delhi's air quality remained on the brink of turning "severe", the Centre Thursday said steps taken by states to control stubble burning were "far from satisfactory" as the environment ministers of four states, including Punjab and Haryana, where the practice is rampant, skipped a crucial meet to discuss the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

As Delhi's air quality remained on the brink of turning "severe", the Centre Thursday said steps taken by states to control stubble burning were "far from satisfactory" as the environment ministers of four states, including Punjab and Haryana, where the practice is rampant, skipped a crucial meet to discuss the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. A ban on construction activities came into force on Thursday as Delhi's air quality was on the brink of turning "severe" due to stubble burning in the adjoining regions and unfavourable meteorological conditions, authorities said. The meeting called by Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan ahead of Diwali to discuss the plan for the next 10 days, when the pollution level is expected to spike, witnessed the participation of Delhi's Environment Minister Imran Hussain apart from officials of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana. Delhi's air quality has severely deteriorated in the past two weeks and is currently oscillating between "very poor" and "severe" categories. The absence of environment ministers from the crucial meet was questioned by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Cabinet colleague, who said neighbouring states should take the issue of air pollution "seriously". "Why didn't ministers from other states attend? It's a collective problem and I urge everyone to please work together. Only then can we find a soln (sic)." Kejriwal tweeted. Hussain said the Delhi government had been urging the Centre to intervene and give farmers resources so they do not have to depend on stubble burning. "Today also, you saw that ministers from Haryana, Punjab, UP and Rajasthan did not attend the meeting by the Union Environment Minister. Seriousness is needed to deal with the issue of increasing pollution in the national capital," he said. However, Vardhan said the issue of air pollution "should not be politicised" and everyone should cooperate fully to protect the environment, while stressing the need for an "aggressive" plan to combat air pollution in Delhi. Union Minister Vijay Goel blamed Kejriwal for polluting Delhi. Amid a rise in health-related problems due to air pollution, Vardhan launched a manual on asthma, detailing how school administrations must act in case of an emergency. The Delhi government also told the Supreme Court on Thursday that out of 1.10 crore vehicles registered in the national capital, 40 lakh "overage" vehicles more than 15 years old in case of petrol and over 10 years old for diesel have been de-registered by the transport department. This information was shared as the top court expressed displeasure that orders passed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court in 2015, prohibiting the plying of such old vehicles in the Delhi-national capital region (NCR), had not yet been complied with. Harsh Vardhan underlined that despite a decrease in incidents of stubble burning by 30 per cent from the previous year, more needed to be done, while asking the Delhi government to ensure 100 per cent stoppage of open burning of domestic and industrial wastes. An aggressive 10 day-long "Clean Air Campaign" was also launched by Harsh Vardhan. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee, meanwhile, directed the transport department and the traffic police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region during November 1-10. The building department has also fined owners of 39 sites for not complying with its directives to check pollution and a fine of Rs 8 lakh was imposed on them. Moreover, a total penalty of Rs 6.60 lakh was also imposed for causing dust pollution, NDMC authorities said. A total of 4,385 vehicles have been prosecuted for plying without valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) during October, Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic), said. Around 177 vehicles have been prosecuted for carrying uncovered building material and amount of Rs 3,54,000 has been imposed as penalty on such vehicles, he said. At the border check-posts of Delhi, a total of 70,480 vehicles were checked, out of which 1,738 vehicles not destined for Delhi were made to turn back and take other routes to reach their destinations, he said. Apart from that, a total of 1,89,290 vehicles were checked this year till October 31, of which 391 vehicles were impounded as they were "overage", Kumar said. Further, to decongest city roads, reduce the travel time of motorists, save fuel and reduce pollution, a total of 10,23,156 vehicles were prosecuted for obstructive and improper parking, he added. On Thursday, Gurgaon, Faridabad and Noida recorded an AQI of 416, which falls in the "severe" category, while air quality was "very poor" in Ghaziabad and Greater Noida. Eleven areas in Delhi recorded "severe" air quality while 16 areas recorded "very poor" air quality, according to the CPCB data. The PM2.5 level was recorded at 217. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres). As per the CPCB data, the PM10 level in Delhi stood at 368. The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said the AQI of Delhi-NCR would continue to remain in the upper range of the "very poor" category in the next three days.

Delhi air quality on the brink of turning 'severe'; 4 states skip crucial meet

As air pollution surged to severe levels in Delhi, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday&nbsp;asked state governments in the national capital region to take steps to mitigate it and effectively implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Vardhan, who is currently in Germany to attend a crucial climate change conference, said several meetings with all the state governments including Delhi have been held and measures required to deal with the issue have been agreed upon and reviewed regularly.

The NCR includes the whole of Delhi and certain districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, covering an area of about 53,817 sq kms.

&quot;(The minister) has requested all the state governments in the NCR region to take effective steps for mitigating the levels of air pollution and bring them to acceptable levels.

&quot;He has also requested for the effective implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan, as well as other steps identified in various meetings held by the central government with the state governments to improve the situation,&quot; an official statement quoting him said.

&quot;Every possible step required to tackle the situation has been already identified and the need of the hour was to put them into action at ground level, which will yield significant results,&quot; the statement quoting him said.

The minister also requested the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to implement the ban related to stubble burning.

&quot;The current high levels of smog in some areas are the result of adverse meteorological conditions,&quot; he said.

He has also requested the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) to effectively implement the identified steps in a practical manner so that visible improvement is seen on the ground.

A combination of smoke from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana and moisture turned Delhi into a &quot;gas chamber&quot; today, prompting authorities to announce a series of preventive measures including a four-fold hike in parking fees and slashing of metro fares.

The smog brought down visibility levels, affecting flight and train operations. The heavy air permeated living rooms and even the underground metro stations in the city making it difficult to breathe, turning eyes watery.

The air quality index was in the &#39;severe&#39; category, with a score of 448 on a scale of 500, for the second time this year.

In pursuance of the Supreme Court order dated December 2, 2016 regarding air quality in the NCR, the Graded Response Action Plan was prepared for implementation under different Air Quality Index (AQI) categories namely -- Moderate and Poor, Very Poor and Severe, as per the National Air Quality Index.

The NCR includes the whole of Delhi and certain districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, covering an area of about 53,817 sq kms.

As air pollution surged to severe levels in Delhi, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday asked state governments in the national capital region to take steps to mitigate it and effectively implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Vardhan, who is currently in Germany to attend a crucial climate change conference, said several meetings with all the state governments including Delhi have been held and measures required to deal with the issue have been agreed upon and reviewed regularly. The NCR includes the whole of Delhi and certain districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, covering an area of about 53,817 sq kms. "(The minister) has requested all the state governments in the NCR region to take effective steps for mitigating the levels of air pollution and bring them to acceptable levels. "He has also requested for the effective implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan, as well as other steps identified in various meetings held by the central government with the state governments to improve the situation," an official statement quoting him said. "Every possible step required to tackle the situation has been already identified and the need of the hour was to put them into action at ground level, which will yield significant results," the statement quoting him said. The minister also requested the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to implement the ban related to stubble burning. "The current high levels of smog in some areas are the result of adverse meteorological conditions," he said. He has also requested the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) to effectively implement the identified steps in a practical manner so that visible improvement is seen on the ground. A combination of smoke from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana and moisture turned Delhi into a "gas chamber" today, prompting authorities to announce a series of preventive measures including a four-fold hike in parking fees and slashing of metro fares. The smog brought down visibility levels, affecting flight and train operations. The heavy air permeated living rooms and even the underground metro stations in the city making it difficult to breathe, turning eyes watery. The air quality index was in the 'severe' category, with a score of 448 on a scale of 500, for the second time this year. In pursuance of the Supreme Court order dated December 2, 2016 regarding air quality in the NCR, the Graded Response Action Plan was prepared for implementation under different Air Quality Index (AQI) categories namely -- Moderate and Poor, Very Poor and Severe, as per the National Air Quality Index.

Take effective steps to mitigate air pollution: Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan

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