All residents of India’s national capital city, New Delhi, and its neighbouring areas have been struggling to catch their breath amid rising pollution and smog in the city. Now, research has claimed that the pollution levels of indoor air pollution, too, have reached an alarming level.<o:p></o:p>

The study conducted by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) claims that the indoor air pollution levels in New Delhi is nearly twenty times more than the World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-for-lockdown-to-curb-air-pollution-delhi-govt-tells-supreme-court-429523">Ready for lockdown to curb air pollution, Delhi govt tells Supreme Court</a></o:p>

As per the experts, the levels of PM 2.5 were found to be much higher than the levels of outdoor air pollution reported on government portals. PM 2.5 are the tiny particles in the air which can even cause extreme damage to lungs.<o:p></o:p>

"In Delhi, the bottom line is, whether someone is rich or poor, no one gets to breathe clean air," said Kenneth Lee, the lead author of the study. "It is a complex vicious cycle. When you do not know about the pollution levels inside your homes, you do not worry about it, and hence you are less likely to take corrective actions. Only with increased awareness, demand for clean air may gain momentum."

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/low-intensity-blast-at-delhi-court-leaves-one-police-constable-injured-proceedings-suspended-435401">Low-intensity blast at Delhi court leaves one police constable injured, proceedings suspended</a></o:p>

Experts have claimed that majority people are being exposed to air pollution indoors rather than outdoors. Indoor air pollutant levels are two to five times higher indoors in comparison to outdoors, as per experts of &nbsp;Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).<o:p></o:p>

This study result has come at a time when Delhi recorded one of its worst November air pollution levels in the last six years. Government data showed that the residents were not able to get even a single day of ‘good’ air quality for the entire month of November this year.<o:p></o:p>

Due to the alarmingly high air pollution levels, the chief minister of the national capital had also announced a temporary closure of schools, and the Supreme Court had also issued a warning to the Delhi government.<o:p></o:p>

All residents of India’s national capital city, New Delhi, and its neighbouring areas have been struggling to catch their breath amid rising pollution and smog in the city.

All residents of India’s national capital city, New Delhi, and its neighbouring areas have been struggling to catch their breath amid rising pollution and smog in the city. Now, research has claimed that the pollution levels of indoor air pollution, too, have reached an alarming level. The study conducted by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) claims that the indoor air pollution levels in New Delhi is nearly twenty times more than the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Also read | Ready for lockdown to curb air pollution, Delhi govt tells Supreme Court As per the experts, the levels of PM 2.5 were found to be much higher than the levels of outdoor air pollution reported on government portals. PM 2.5 are the tiny particles in the air which can even cause extreme damage to lungs. "In Delhi, the bottom line is, whether someone is rich or poor, no one gets to breathe clean air," said Kenneth Lee, the lead author of the study. "It is a complex vicious cycle. When you do not know about the pollution levels inside your homes, you do not worry about it, and hence you are less likely to take corrective actions. Only with increased awareness, demand for clean air may gain momentum." Also read | Low-intensity blast at Delhi court leaves one police constable injured, proceedings suspended Experts have claimed that majority people are being exposed to air pollution indoors rather than outdoors. Indoor air pollutant levels are two to five times higher indoors in comparison to outdoors, as per experts of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This study result has come at a time when Delhi recorded one of its worst November air pollution levels in the last six years. Government data showed that the residents were not able to get even a single day of ‘good’ air quality for the entire month of November this year. Due to the alarmingly high air pollution levels, the chief minister of the national capital had also announced a temporary closure of schools, and the Supreme Court had also issued a warning to the Delhi government.

New Delhi's indoor air pollution levels worse than outdoors, experts warn

According to an analysis by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), people in the national capital breathe the worst air between November 1 and November 15 every year, as unhelpful meteorological conditions trap pollutants coming from local sources and stubble burning in neighbouring states - Punjab and Haryana.

On Saturday, the Delhi government announced closure of physical classes in schools, colleges and other educational institutions for a week from Monday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/schools-to-be-closed-government-employees-to-work-from-home-delhi-cm-kejriwal-issues-order-on-air-pollution-429040">Also Read:&nbsp;Schools to be closed in Delhi, government employees to work from home</a>

All government offices, agencies and autonomous bodies, except those involved in essential services, have been asked to work from home.

No construction and demolition activity is allowed in the capital till November 17, it announced in a desperate effort to contain spiralling air pollution levels.

Doctors say there has been a "30 to 40 per cent increase" in the number of people coming to hospitals with respiratory problems.

"We have observed an increase in the severity of asthma attacks. Those with pre-existing respiratory issues are requiring hospitalisation. These are acute effects of the hazardous air pollution in the city," said Dr Vikas Maurya, head of Pulmonology Department, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-pollution-situation-very-serious-in-new-delhi-says-indias-cji-nv-ramana-428954">Also Read:&nbsp;Air pollution situation 'very serious’ in New Delhi, says India's CJI NV Ramana</a>

The hospital has been reporting 25 to 30 cases of respiratory disorders per day. Of these, three to four are of "severe" nature.&nbsp;

Around 50-55 patients with breathing issues are admitted in the hospital at present, he said.

Dr Abhinav Guliani, pulmonologist, Ganga Ram Hospital, said there has been a two to threefold increase in the number of patients with respiratory infections since Diwali.

"We have been witnessing up to 30 patients per week. Normally, we would see around 10 to 20 such patients in a week," he said.

The hospital has been advising elderly patients and those with respiratory diseases to stay at home and step out only if it is absolutely necessary.

Dr Neetu Jain, senior pulmonologist at PSRI Hospital, said they have recorded at least 25 per cent increase in respiratory diseases.

"We have admitted around seven patients, who have been stable in the last one year, after the rise in air pollution. We have also witnessed an uptick in the number of people without any history of respiratory illnesses," she said.&nbsp;

According to an analysis by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), people in the national capital breathe the worst air between November 1 and November 15 every year, as unhelpful meteorological conditions trap pollutants coming from local sources and stubble burning in neighbouring states - Punjab and Haryana.

According to an analysis by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), people in the national capital breathe the worst air between November 1 and November 15 every year, as unhelpful meteorological conditions trap pollutants coming from local sources and stubble burning in neighbouring states - Punjab and Haryana. On Saturday, the Delhi government announced closure of physical classes in schools, colleges and other educational institutions for a week from Monday. Also Read: Schools to be closed in Delhi, government employees to work from home All government offices, agencies and autonomous bodies, except those involved in essential services, have been asked to work from home. No construction and demolition activity is allowed in the capital till November 17, it announced in a desperate effort to contain spiralling air pollution levels. Doctors say there has been a "30 to 40 per cent increase" in the number of people coming to hospitals with respiratory problems. "We have observed an increase in the severity of asthma attacks. Those with pre-existing respiratory issues are requiring hospitalisation. These are acute effects of the hazardous air pollution in the city," said Dr Vikas Maurya, head of Pulmonology Department, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. Also Read: Air pollution situation 'very serious’ in New Delhi, says India's CJI NV Ramana The hospital has been reporting 25 to 30 cases of respiratory disorders per day. Of these, three to four are of "severe" nature. Around 50-55 patients with breathing issues are admitted in the hospital at present, he said. Dr Abhinav Guliani, pulmonologist, Ganga Ram Hospital, said there has been a two to threefold increase in the number of patients with respiratory infections since Diwali. "We have been witnessing up to 30 patients per week. Normally, we would see around 10 to 20 such patients in a week," he said. The hospital has been advising elderly patients and those with respiratory diseases to stay at home and step out only if it is absolutely necessary. Dr Neetu Jain, senior pulmonologist at PSRI Hospital, said they have recorded at least 25 per cent increase in respiratory diseases. "We have admitted around seven patients, who have been stable in the last one year, after the rise in air pollution. We have also witnessed an uptick in the number of people without any history of respiratory illnesses," she said.

Respiratory cases on rise in Delhi amid rising pollution levels, says doctors

the deteriorating air quality in and around the Indian capital has become a matter of high concern. A layer of eye-stinging smog continues for the 8th day. The govt. has put out an advisory for people living in Delhi NCR regions.

Delhi: Layer of eye-stinging smog continues for 8th day

It's that time of the year when the Indian capital turns to a gas chamber, the air quality has significantly worsened once again. The average air quality index in New Delhi is 315 which falls in the very poor category.

India: Delhi's AQI enters 'very poor' category for the 1st time in this season

A new study sheds light on the prevalence of pollutants in Indian cities. According to the British study published in the journal called “Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics”, hidden air pollutants are increasing in Indian cities.

These pollutants include fine particles known as PM2.5 along with nitrogen dioxide which are both hazardous to health. Scientists used data from satellites to scan the skies of cities everyday. They found that air pollutants are rapidly spreading in Indian cities like Kanpur and Delhi.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-air-pollution-could-make-you-blind-study-finds-359759/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The trends of pollution between 2005-2018 were taken into account by the researchers, who hailed from the University of Birmingham and UCL, including a team of contributors from Belgium, India, the UK, and Jamaica.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/continuous-exposure-to-pollution-can-cause-mental-illness-in-children-study-381381" hreflang="en">Continuous exposure to pollution can cause mental illness in children: Study</a>

Delhi already grapples with pollution every year as winter sets in the city, with a thick layer of smog covering the city sky year after year. In 2018, the World Health Organization had ranked Kanpur as the world’s most polluted city. According to researchers, the increase in PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide levels in the country may be attributed to increasing vehicle ownership, industrialisation and the limited number of air pollution policies.

In addition, the scientists also found that the air pollutant formaldehyde was spotted in Delhi and Kanpur, along with London. The researchers juxtaposed data from Indian cities with the data of cities in the United Kingdom.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/light-pollution-from-satellites-space-waste-poses-risk-to-astronomy-374530" hreflang="en">Light pollution from satellites, space waste poses risk to astronomy</a>

"We wanted to demonstrate the utility of satellite observations to monitor city-wide air pollution in the UK where ground-based measurements are in abundance and in India where they are not. Our approach will be able to provide useful information about air quality trends in cities with limited surface monitoring capabilities. This is critical as the WHO estimates that outdoor air pollution causes 4.2 million deaths a year”, Karan Vohra, study lead author and PhD student at the University of Birmingham was quoted by ANI as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study sheds light on the prevalence of pollutants in Indian cities. According to the British study published in the journal called “Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics”, hidden air pollutants are increasing in Indian cities.

A new study sheds light on the prevalence of pollutants in Indian cities. According to the British study published in the journal called “Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics”, hidden air pollutants are increasing in Indian cities. These pollutants include fine particles known as PM2.5 along with nitrogen dioxide which are both hazardous to health. Scientists used data from satellites to scan the skies of cities everyday. They found that air pollutants are rapidly spreading in Indian cities like Kanpur and Delhi. The trends of pollution between 2005-2018 were taken into account by the researchers, who hailed from the University of Birmingham and UCL, including a team of contributors from Belgium, India, the UK, and Jamaica. Also read: Continuous exposure to pollution can cause mental illness in children: Study Delhi already grapples with pollution every year as winter sets in the city, with a thick layer of smog covering the city sky year after year. In 2018, the World Health Organization had ranked Kanpur as the world’s most polluted city. According to researchers, the increase in PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide levels in the country may be attributed to increasing vehicle ownership, industrialisation and the limited number of air pollution policies. In addition, the scientists also found that the air pollutant formaldehyde was spotted in Delhi and Kanpur, along with London. The researchers juxtaposed data from Indian cities with the data of cities in the United Kingdom. Also read: Light pollution from satellites, space waste poses risk to astronomy "We wanted to demonstrate the utility of satellite observations to monitor city-wide air pollution in the UK where ground-based measurements are in abundance and in India where they are not. Our approach will be able to provide useful information about air quality trends in cities with limited surface monitoring capabilities. This is critical as the WHO estimates that outdoor air pollution causes 4.2 million deaths a year”, Karan Vohra, study lead author and PhD student at the University of Birmingham was quoted by ANI as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Hidden air pollutants rising in Indian cities like Delhi and Kanpur, study finds

The overall Air Quality&nbsp;Index (AQI) in Delhi remains in the `very poor` category on Sunday, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

The overall AQI stands at 370 in the morning hours.Meanwhile, the moderate fog has been observed in isolated parts of the national capital.

Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely to re-establish over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and West Uttar Pradesh from December 29, said IMD in its bulletin today.

Following the ongoing COVID-19 conditions, health experts have urged people to take extra precautions as respiratory diseases tend to worsen with a dip in temperature and a rise in pollution levels.An AQI between 0-50 is marked good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101- 200 is moderate, 201- 300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor and 401-500 is considered severe.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remains in the `very poor` category on Sunday, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remains in the `very poor` category on Sunday, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). The overall AQI stands at 370 in the morning hours.Meanwhile, the moderate fog has been observed in isolated parts of the national capital. Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are likely to re-establish over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and West Uttar Pradesh from December 29, said IMD in its bulletin today. Following the ongoing COVID-19 conditions, health experts have urged people to take extra precautions as respiratory diseases tend to worsen with a dip in temperature and a rise in pollution levels.An AQI between 0-50 is marked good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101- 200 is moderate, 201- 300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor and 401-500 is considered severe.

Delhi's AQI remains in 'very poor' category

The toxic air in the Indian capital city and its adjoining areas maintained its intensity as the air quality observed on early Friday was still in the "severe" mark. Watch this video to know more.

Drastic dip in air quality of Indian capital Delhi

Delhi once again woke up with no respite from toxic air as the air quality continued to remain under the "severe" category in most parts and neared hitting&nbsp;the emergency mark in some regions.&nbsp;

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, at 7 am, the air quality index (AQI) of Dwarka Sector 8, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, was&nbsp;496 and 492 respectively, which is very close to the "emergency'' category. It should be noted that an AQI of 500 or more falls under "severe" or "emergency" category. In many parts of Delhi and its adjoining areas, the air quality remained under "severe" category.&nbsp;

An AQI of 0-50 is considered as "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor" and 401-500 "severe". &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Delhi: A layer of smog blankets the national capital this morning; visuals from Akshardham. <a href="https://t.co/hYB1I4QFR9">pic.twitter.com/hYB1I4QFR9</a>
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The air quality dipped to the "severe" stage late on Tuesday after the odd-even rationing scheme was lifted due to the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The odd-even is a scheme where cars with even and odd number plates are allowed to run on alternate days. The odd-even restrictions are not on two-wheelers and electric vehicles. Women only vehicles with children upto 12 years are also exempted under the odd-even rule.

Due to rising pollution levels, Delhi government on Wednesday once again ordered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-air-pollution-peaks-in-delhi-schools-to-remain-shut-for-two-days-261891">schools </a>to be shut for two days till November 15. Schools in Delhi were already closed for an extended period due to pollution post-Diwali and reopened on November 5. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also hinted at&nbsp;extending the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-hints-at-extending-odd-even-scheme-as-national-capitals-air-quality-deteriorates-261805">odd-even scheme</a>.

Earlier. the Supreme Court had pulled up Centre and government of northern Indian states for their inability to curb pollution. The apex court also ordered a complete halt to stubble burning, a major contributor to the toxic air and announced incentives to the farmers for discontinuing this practice. Despite SC's order, the practice is continued in many regions.

Stubble burning is a practice where the residues of the crops are burnt once the crop is harvested.&nbsp;

As winter arrives in northern India, residents have to deal with the menace of air pollution as the pollutants enter the thick air and don't disappear quickly. Stubble burning and industrial and construction activities all contribute to the deteriorating air quality.

Delhi once again woke up with no respite from toxic air as the air quality continued to remain under the "severe" category in most parts and neared hitting the emergency mark in some regions.

Delhi once again woke up with no respite from toxic air as the air quality continued to remain under the "severe" category in most parts and neared hitting the emergency mark in some regions. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, at 7 am, the air quality index (AQI) of Dwarka Sector 8, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, was 496 and 492 respectively, which is very close to the "emergency'' category. It should be noted that an AQI of 500 or more falls under "severe" or "emergency" category. In many parts of Delhi and its adjoining areas, the air quality remained under "severe" category. An AQI of 0-50 is considered as "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor" and 401-500 "severe". Delhi: A layer of smog blankets the national capital this morning; visuals from Akshardham. pic.twitter.com/hYB1I4QFR9 — ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2019 × The air quality dipped to the "severe" stage late on Tuesday after the odd-even rationing scheme was lifted due to the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The odd-even is a scheme where cars with even and odd number plates are allowed to run on alternate days. The odd-even restrictions are not on two-wheelers and electric vehicles. Women only vehicles with children upto 12 years are also exempted under the odd-even rule. Due to rising pollution levels, Delhi government on Wednesday once again ordered schools to be shut for two days till November 15. Schools in Delhi were already closed for an extended period due to pollution post-Diwali and reopened on November 5. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also hinted at extending the odd-even scheme. Earlier. the Supreme Court had pulled up Centre and government of northern Indian states for their inability to curb pollution. The apex court also ordered a complete halt to stubble burning, a major contributor to the toxic air and announced incentives to the farmers for discontinuing this practice. Despite SC's order, the practice is continued in many regions. Stubble burning is a practice where the residues of the crops are burnt once the crop is harvested. As winter arrives in northern India, residents have to deal with the menace of air pollution as the pollutants enter the thick air and don't disappear quickly. Stubble burning and industrial and construction activities all contribute to the deteriorating air quality.

No respite from toxic air as Delhi's air quality nears 'emergency' mark

Schools reopened on Wednesday after an extended Diwali break due to pollution with a large number of students seen using anti-pollution masks to protect them from health hazard.

While the pollution levels have gradually come down since Sunday, the AQI still remains in the 'poor'&nbsp;category.

Today morning, a major pollutant PM 2.5 is at 279 and PM 10 is at 250, both in 'poor'&nbsp;category in Lodhi Road area, according to Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

Taking cognizance of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR crossed "hazardous" category, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Friday declared a public health emergency. School holidays for all government and public schools were also declared by the Delhi government and municipal corporations.&nbsp;

Schools reopened on Wednesday after an extended Diwali break due to pollution with a large number of students seen using anti-pollution masks to protect them from health hazard.

Schools reopened on Wednesday after an extended Diwali break due to pollution with a large number of students seen using anti-pollution masks to protect them from health hazard. While the pollution levels have gradually come down since Sunday, the AQI still remains in the 'poor' category. Today morning, a major pollutant PM 2.5 is at 279 and PM 10 is at 250, both in 'poor' category in Lodhi Road area, according to Air Quality Index (AQI) data. Taking cognizance of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR crossed "hazardous" category, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Friday declared a public health emergency. School holidays for all government and public schools were also declared by the Delhi government and municipal corporations.

After festival and pollution break, schools reopen in Delhi

New Delhi banned half the Indian capital's private cars from its roads on Monday as the megacity's 20 million people spluttered with stinging eyes in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/diplomatic-corps-expresses-concern-over-delhi-pollution-says-we-suffer-like-rest-of-delhi-259764">worst pollution in three years</a>.

As smog levels exceeded those of Beijing by more than three times, authorities also parked a van with an air purifier near the Taj Mahal,&nbsp;the iconic 17th-century marble mausoleum 250 kilometers (150 miles) south of Delhi,&nbsp;in a bid to clean the air in its surrounds.

With the pollution causing a rush of respiratory complaints at hospitals and the diversion of 37 flights on Sunday, a new law came into effect restricting cars from the capital's roads to alternative days, depending on if their number plate ends in an odd or even number.&nbsp;

More than 600 police teams were deployed at road intersections in the capital with the power to hand out fines of 4,000 rupees (nearly $60) to transgressors

Exempt from the restrictions were Delhi's seven million motorbikes and scooters, public transport and cars carrying only women, stoking criticism that the measures were ineffective.

"There is smoke everywhere and people, including youngsters, kids, elderly are finding it difficult to breathe," Delhi's chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a Twitter video. "Eyes are burning. Pollution is that bad."

Watch Video:

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Construction was banned temporarily late last week in the world's most polluted capital city, while schools have been closed until Wednesday, with the city government handing out free pollution masks to children.

"I have a headache every day I wake up. It's suffocating to breathe sometimes. And inflammation in the nostrils and all. And eyes also. Like it kind of burns," Ankusha Kushi, a student, told AFP.

As Delhiites woke up on Monday, levels of particulates measuring less than 2.5 microns -- so tiny they enter deep into the respiratory tract,&nbsp;were at 613 micrograms per cubic metre of air, according to the US embassy in Delhi.

Deadly over long term

The World Health Organisation's recommended safe daily maximum is a reading of 25.

In central Delhi, the state air quality institute rated levels of the tiny particulates,&nbsp;which can be deadly over the long term,&nbsp;as "severe".

Bollywood megastar Priyanka Chopra Jonas posted a selfie in pollution mask on Instagram and said it was "hard to shoot" in Delhi.

"I can’t even imagine what it must be like to live here under these conditions. We r blessed with air purifiers and masks. Pray for the homeless," she posted.

Fourteen Indian cities including the capital are among the world's top 15 most polluted cities, according to the World Health Organization.&nbsp;

One study last year said that a million Indians died prematurely every year as a result.

With local elections due in Delhi in early 2020, the crisis has also become a casualty of political bickering, with each side blaming the other.&nbsp;

Kejriwal, who likened Delhi to a "gas chamber" on Friday, said the city had done its part to curb pollution and that the burning of wheat stubble residue on farms outside the capital had to be stopped.

India's supreme court too stepped-in, slamming the authorities for failing to curb pollution and asked them to tighten rules against violators.&nbsp;

Car rule 'a stunt'&nbsp;

But national environment minister Prakash Javadekar accused Kejriwal of politicising the issue, while an MP from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) violated the odd-even car rule as a "symbolic protest" by driving a car that was barred under the scheme.

Experts warned that both state and national governments needed to go beyond short-term remedies.

Stop-gap solutions "can't be a substitute for addressing the major long-term chronic sources of air pollution", Daniel Cass, from global non-profit Vital Strategies, told AFP.

Changing agricultural practices, switching electricity generation sources and accelerating the conversion of home heating from charcoal to natural gas were also key measures in the pollution fight, Cass said.

Siddharth Singh, a climate policy expert, said the traffic restrictions are "ineffective".

"If air pollution was solely due to the vehicular traffic, then this would be a solution. Right now it cannot be a solution because motorised private transport has a very small share in the whole pie," Singh told AFP.

New Delhi banned half the Indian capital's private cars from its roads on Monday as the megacity's 20 million people spluttered with stinging eyes in the worst pollution in three years.

New Delhi banned half the Indian capital's private cars from its roads on Monday as the megacity's 20 million people spluttered with stinging eyes in the worst pollution in three years. As smog levels exceeded those of Beijing by more than three times, authorities also parked a van with an air purifier near the Taj Mahal, the iconic 17th-century marble mausoleum 250 kilometers (150 miles) south of Delhi, in a bid to clean the air in its surrounds. With the pollution causing a rush of respiratory complaints at hospitals and the diversion of 37 flights on Sunday, a new law came into effect restricting cars from the capital's roads to alternative days, depending on if their number plate ends in an odd or even number. More than 600 police teams were deployed at road intersections in the capital with the power to hand out fines of 4,000 rupees (nearly $60) to transgressors Exempt from the restrictions were Delhi's seven million motorbikes and scooters, public transport and cars carrying only women, stoking criticism that the measures were ineffective. "There is smoke everywhere and people, including youngsters, kids, elderly are finding it difficult to breathe," Delhi's chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a Twitter video. "Eyes are burning. Pollution is that bad." Watch Video: Construction was banned temporarily late last week in the world's most polluted capital city, while schools have been closed until Wednesday, with the city government handing out free pollution masks to children. "I have a headache every day I wake up. It's suffocating to breathe sometimes. And inflammation in the nostrils and all. And eyes also. Like it kind of burns," Ankusha Kushi, a student, told AFP. As Delhiites woke up on Monday, levels of particulates measuring less than 2.5 microns -- so tiny they enter deep into the respiratory tract, were at 613 micrograms per cubic metre of air, according to the US embassy in Delhi. Deadly over long term The World Health Organisation's recommended safe daily maximum is a reading of 25. In central Delhi, the state air quality institute rated levels of the tiny particulates, which can be deadly over the long term, as "severe". Bollywood megastar Priyanka Chopra Jonas posted a selfie in pollution mask on Instagram and said it was "hard to shoot" in Delhi. "I can’t even imagine what it must be like to live here under these conditions. We r blessed with air purifiers and masks. Pray for the homeless," she posted. Fourteen Indian cities including the capital are among the world's top 15 most polluted cities, according to the World Health Organization. One study last year said that a million Indians died prematurely every year as a result. With local elections due in Delhi in early 2020, the crisis has also become a casualty of political bickering, with each side blaming the other. Kejriwal, who likened Delhi to a "gas chamber" on Friday, said the city had done its part to curb pollution and that the burning of wheat stubble residue on farms outside the capital had to be stopped. India's supreme court too stepped-in, slamming the authorities for failing to curb pollution and asked them to tighten rules against violators. Car rule 'a stunt' But national environment minister Prakash Javadekar accused Kejriwal of politicising the issue, while an MP from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) violated the odd-even car rule as a "symbolic protest" by driving a car that was barred under the scheme. Experts warned that both state and national governments needed to go beyond short-term remedies. Stop-gap solutions "can't be a substitute for addressing the major long-term chronic sources of air pollution", Daniel Cass, from global non-profit Vital Strategies, told AFP. Changing agricultural practices, switching electricity generation sources and accelerating the conversion of home heating from charcoal to natural gas were also key measures in the pollution fight, Cass said. Siddharth Singh, a climate policy expert, said the traffic restrictions are "ineffective". "If air pollution was solely due to the vehicular traffic, then this would be a solution. Right now it cannot be a solution because motorised private transport has a very small share in the whole pie," Singh told AFP.

Taj Mahal gets air purifier as Delhi breathes toxic air

Environmentalists and residents in New Delhi urged authorities to shift the upcoming India-Bangladesh Twenty20 match to a different venue as air pollution remained at the most severe level in the Indian capital for the second day running on Wednesday (October 30).

As pollution plagues Delhi, calls grow to shift India-Bangladesh T20 match

People residing in the national capital woke up to another cold and gloomy morning as the temperature remained below normal level and a thick blanket of fog engulfed the region on Thursday.

The maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 21 degree Celsius and 5 degree Celsius respectively.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-flights-delayed-due-to-fog-at-delhi-airport-over-10-trains-running-late-188684">Foggy weather in Delhi</a> disrupted the rail traffic as well.

According to the latest report compiled by the Indian Railways, as many as 11 trains were rescheduled after getting delayed for at least by an hour.

Jayanagar- New Delhi S Sainani Express, Ghazipur-Anand Vihar Express, and Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express were delayed by 1.30-hr, 2 hours and one hour respectively.

Owing to low visibility, Bhubaneswar Duronto Express was delayed by five hours while Poorva Express and Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express were delayed by three hours each.

Fog and chill are likely to persist with little hope for an improvement in the quality of air and visibility, particularly during the morning hours.

Delhi breathed uneasily as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at Mathura Road was docking at 346 in the morning with particulate matter (PM) 2.5. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 297 while in Pitampura area it dipped to 'very poor'&nbsp;category at 355.

AQI between the range of 51 and 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate; 201-300 falls under the category of poor. AQI in the range of 300-400 is considered as 'very poor'&nbsp;and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous.'

AQI near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Chandni Chowk stood at 346, 357 and 342 respectively.

"The haze and fog will continue to persist during the early morning and late evenings for the next couple of days," said the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

People have been advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

"Go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. Stop any activity level if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue," advised SAFAR."If the room has windows, close them. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed. Avoid burning of wood, candles or incense. Keep the room clean - don`t vacuum. Do wet mopping to reduce dust," the SAFAR advisory further read.

Delhi, which is home to approximately 19 million people, is reeling under the menace of air pollution from the past couple of years.

The region faced a major air quality crisis last year as pollution levels shot through the roof and even forced the shutdown of schools.

Moreover, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had described the capital as a "gas chamber" and local administration was compelled to declare a public health emergency.

People residing in the national capital woke up to another cold and gloomy morning as the temperature remained below normal level and a thick blanket of fog engulfed the region on Thursday.

People residing in the national capital woke up to another cold and gloomy morning as the temperature remained below normal level and a thick blanket of fog engulfed the region on Thursday. The maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 21 degree Celsius and 5 degree Celsius respectively. Foggy weather in Delhi disrupted the rail traffic as well. According to the latest report compiled by the Indian Railways, as many as 11 trains were rescheduled after getting delayed for at least by an hour. Jayanagar- New Delhi S Sainani Express, Ghazipur-Anand Vihar Express, and Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express were delayed by 1.30-hr, 2 hours and one hour respectively. Owing to low visibility, Bhubaneswar Duronto Express was delayed by five hours while Poorva Express and Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express were delayed by three hours each. Fog and chill are likely to persist with little hope for an improvement in the quality of air and visibility, particularly during the morning hours. Delhi breathed uneasily as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at Mathura Road was docking at 346 in the morning with particulate matter (PM) 2.5. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 297 while in Pitampura area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 355. AQI between the range of 51 and 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate; 201-300 falls under the category of poor. AQI in the range of 300-400 is considered as 'very poor' and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous.' AQI near Pusa Road, Airport Terminal 3 and Chandni Chowk stood at 346, 357 and 342 respectively. "The haze and fog will continue to persist during the early morning and late evenings for the next couple of days," said the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). People have been advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. "Go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. Stop any activity level if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue," advised SAFAR."If the room has windows, close them. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed. Avoid burning of wood, candles or incense. Keep the room clean - don`t vacuum. Do wet mopping to reduce dust," the SAFAR advisory further read. Delhi, which is home to approximately 19 million people, is reeling under the menace of air pollution from the past couple of years. The region faced a major air quality crisis last year as pollution levels shot through the roof and even forced the shutdown of schools. Moreover, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had described the capital as a "gas chamber" and local administration was compelled to declare a public health emergency.

Delhi's air quality drops to 'very poor' level; fog disrupts train movement

A sandstone quarry near the village of Sirohi, on the outskirts of New Delhi, is a reminder that it's not just fireworks and crop burning that are causing the capital's pollution problems.

The site was previously part of the Aravalli mountain range, that stretches nearly 700 km (435 miles) through northern and western India.

That was until hundreds of workers hollowed out one of its hills, mining for rocks and sand for construction.

It is the same in many other parts of the Aravallis, which used to protect Delhi from dust rolling in from the nearby Thar Desert.

Beginning in October, stubble farmland around Delhi, along with vehicle and industrial emissions, and the lighting of firecrackers during Diwali combine to create a toxic haze that can hang over the city for months.

Environmental experts say the dust blowing in from surrounding areas, which are becoming increasingly arid due to rising temperatures and shrinking forests, also plays a role in Delhi's pollution woes.

In May and June, the capital was hit by huge dust storms that forced residents indoors and cancelled flights, worrying authorities in a period that was outside the main "pollution season" between October and December.

"Mines are making forests shrink, and the mountains used to block sand from other areas,” said Kailash Bidhuri, founder of Save Aravalli, an environmental group attempting to stop the mining of the hills around Delhi.

"What you see now is the result."

The fast disappearance of the hills has also started to worry the Supreme Court.

In a long-running case brought by environmental activists against several defendants, the court recently heard evidence from the government's Forest Survey of India, which said it conducted a study of 128 hills and found that nearly a quarter of them had disappeared.

The court said last month rampant mining was making Delhi’s already-toxic air even worse, and ordered an immediate halt to illegal mining in one small section of the range.

But it's doubtful the limited ban will have much impact.

SURGE OF SILICOSIS

Similar bans over the years have been ignored.

Government studies of mining areas in the Aravallis have found significant increases in cases of asthma and silicosis, an incurable respiratory infection caused by the dust the mines kick up.

Compounding the problem, at many mining sites, workers dig below the permitted levels, polluting water supplies, Bidhuri said.

"There were rules and protocols that were not followed," Bidhuri said.

The hill at Sirohi has been dug out, broken up and hauled away, and the mine bosses have moved on to begin again on another hill.

Left behind are villagers who miss the old days, despite the health dangers, both for them and for Delhi`s residents.

Irshad Zakir Khan said he has worked at the site from when he was a boy - under-age according to the law - until the hill was mined out in 2009.

He was paid about 6,000 rupees ($80) a month to haul rocks to a nearby processing plant where they were crushed, with a bonus for each trip he completed.

"Since the mines shut we've lost earnings,” said Zakir Khan, as he perched on his motorbike with a group of three friends standing by, nodding in agreement.

"We hope that one day these sites go live again so we can earn."

A sandstone quarry near the village of Sirohi, on the outskirts of New Delhi, is a reminder that it's not just fireworks and crop burning that are causing the capital's pollution problems.

A sandstone quarry near the village of Sirohi, on the outskirts of New Delhi, is a reminder that it's not just fireworks and crop burning that are causing the capital's pollution problems. The site was previously part of the Aravalli mountain range, that stretches nearly 700 km (435 miles) through northern and western India. That was until hundreds of workers hollowed out one of its hills, mining for rocks and sand for construction. It is the same in many other parts of the Aravallis, which used to protect Delhi from dust rolling in from the nearby Thar Desert. Beginning in October, stubble farmland around Delhi, along with vehicle and industrial emissions, and the lighting of firecrackers during Diwali combine to create a toxic haze that can hang over the city for months. Environmental experts say the dust blowing in from surrounding areas, which are becoming increasingly arid due to rising temperatures and shrinking forests, also plays a role in Delhi's pollution woes. In May and June, the capital was hit by huge dust storms that forced residents indoors and cancelled flights, worrying authorities in a period that was outside the main "pollution season" between October and December. "Mines are making forests shrink, and the mountains used to block sand from other areas,” said Kailash Bidhuri, founder of Save Aravalli, an environmental group attempting to stop the mining of the hills around Delhi. "What you see now is the result." The fast disappearance of the hills has also started to worry the Supreme Court. In a long-running case brought by environmental activists against several defendants, the court recently heard evidence from the government's Forest Survey of India, which said it conducted a study of 128 hills and found that nearly a quarter of them had disappeared. The court said last month rampant mining was making Delhi’s already-toxic air even worse, and ordered an immediate halt to illegal mining in one small section of the range. But it's doubtful the limited ban will have much impact. SURGE OF SILICOSIS Similar bans over the years have been ignored. Government studies of mining areas in the Aravallis have found significant increases in cases of asthma and silicosis, an incurable respiratory infection caused by the dust the mines kick up. Compounding the problem, at many mining sites, workers dig below the permitted levels, polluting water supplies, Bidhuri said. "There were rules and protocols that were not followed," Bidhuri said. The hill at Sirohi has been dug out, broken up and hauled away, and the mine bosses have moved on to begin again on another hill. Left behind are villagers who miss the old days, despite the health dangers, both for them and for Delhi`s residents. Irshad Zakir Khan said he has worked at the site from when he was a boy - under-age according to the law - until the hill was mined out in 2009. He was paid about 6,000 rupees ($80) a month to haul rocks to a nearby processing plant where they were crushed, with a bonus for each trip he completed. "Since the mines shut we've lost earnings,” said Zakir Khan, as he perched on his motorbike with a group of three friends standing by, nodding in agreement. "We hope that one day these sites go live again so we can earn."

Miners gouge Aravalli hills ending protection, compounding pollution in Delhi

Air quality in Delhi NCR region worsens

The burning truth: farmers set fire to fields, engulf Delhi in choking smog

The Supreme Court said today that there would be no complete ban on firecrackers, adding that sale of firecrackers would be allowed only through licenses.

India's top court said the manufacture and&nbsp;sale of safe and green firecrackers would be&nbsp;allowed, reports said.

The Supreme Court, in its order, banned the online sale of firecrackers and put a stay on e-commerce portals from selling firecrackers.

Last year in October, the Supreme Court had ordered a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali as pollution peaked in the national capital.

Supreme Court had kept the ban in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh even after Diwali last year.

The court later said that its order lifting the ban on the sale of firecrackers might require a "review" after Diwali depending on the ambient air quality after the festival.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court said today that there would be no complete ban on firecrackers, adding that sale of firecrackers would be allowed only through licenses. India's top court said the manufacture and sale of safe and green firecrackers would be allowed, reports said.

The Supreme Court said today that there would be no complete ban on firecrackers, adding that sale of firecrackers would be allowed only through licenses. India's top court said the manufacture and sale of safe and green firecrackers would be allowed, reports said. The Supreme Court, in its order, banned the online sale of firecrackers and put a stay on e-commerce portals from selling firecrackers. Last year in October, the Supreme Court had ordered a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali as pollution peaked in the national capital. Supreme Court had kept the ban in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh even after Diwali last year. The court later said that its order lifting the ban on the sale of firecrackers might require a "review" after Diwali depending on the ambient air quality after the festival.

No ban on sale of firecrackers during Diwali but online sales banned: Supreme Court

Fog in Delhi <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fog-in-delhi-outskirts-continues-to-affect-train-services-32936">continued to affect train services </a>with &nbsp;30 trains arriving late and 10 cancelled due to low visibility or operational reasons. 
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: 30 trains arriving &nbsp;late, 10 cancelled due to low visibility/ operational reasons.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/964316748773253120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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During fog, visibility becomes very low and trains have to run at a highly-restricted speed to ensure the safety of the passengers causing considerable delays in their movement.

Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index of Delhi&#39;s central Lodhi Road area continued to remain in the &#39;poor&#39; category.

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Air Quality Index of Delhi&#39;s Lodhi Road area, prominent pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 remain in &#39;poor&#39; category. <a href="https://t.co/Q0mKdCCQ9e">pic.twitter.com/Q0mKdCCQ9e</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/964324323967238144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Thirty trains are arriving late in the national capital

Fog in Delhi continued to affect train services with 30 trains arriving late and 10 cancelled due to low visibility or operational reasons. #Delhi: 30 trains arriving late, 10 cancelled due to low visibility/ operational reasons. — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2018 × During fog, visibility becomes very low and trains have to run at a highly-restricted speed to ensure the safety of the passengers causing considerable delays in their movement. Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index of Delhi's central Lodhi Road area continued to remain in the 'poor' category. Air Quality Index of Delhi's Lodhi Road area, prominent pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 remain in 'poor' category. pic.twitter.com/Q0mKdCCQ9e — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2018 ×

Delhi fog continues, 10 trains cancelled

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government today tested an anti-smog gun, a device that sprays atomised water into the atmosphere in a bid to control dust particulate matter and tackle the poor levels of pollution in the national capital.

The anti-smog gun was connected to a water tank and mounted on a vehicle which will enable&nbsp;it to be carried across the city to spray water to settle dust and other suspended particles.

The anti-smog gun was tested at Anand Vihar, one of the most polluted areas in Delhi, this morning. The Air Quality Index, a parameter of determnining air pollution, in the locality situated at the Delhi border was at a &quot;hazardous&quot; 414, ANI reported.

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Delhi: Anti-smog gun being tested near Anand Vihar Bus Station. Anand Vihar&#39;s AQI presently &#39;Hazardous&#39; at 414 (source AQICN) <a href="https://t.co/crA2331tlk">pic.twitter.com/crA2331tlk</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/943363366059261952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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On December 18, &nbsp;in a meeting to review the detailed action plan of agencies and stakeholders on measures to combat air pollution, environment secretary Anil Kumar Singh apprised Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal of the trial run of the anti-smog gun.

In the meeting, the Lt Governor directed authorities to ensure management of municipal solid waste completely in a time frame of 16 months.

The lieutenant governor also directed all three corporations to ensure that no methane fires occur at the three landfill sites. The L-G also asked all three municipal commissioners to procure requisite mechanical sweepers, litter pickers, water sprinklers within a stipulated time.

Pollution-levels in Delhi remain poor in winters because of the rapid drop in temperatures and stubble burning in the adjoining states of Punjab and Haryana.

This year has been no exception.&nbsp;

This morning, The Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 and PM 10, indexes of air pollution, remained in the &quot;poor&quot; category in Delhi&#39;s Lodhi Road area. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The device will spray atomised water into the atmosphere in a bid to control dust particulate matter and tackle the poor levels of pollution in the national capital.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government today tested an anti-smog gun, a device that sprays atomised water into the atmosphere in a bid to control dust particulate matter and tackle the poor levels of pollution in the national capital. The anti-smog gun was connected to a water tank and mounted on a vehicle which will enable it to be carried across the city to spray water to settle dust and other suspended particles. The anti-smog gun was tested at Anand Vihar, one of the most polluted areas in Delhi, this morning. The Air Quality Index, a parameter of determnining air pollution, in the locality situated at the Delhi border was at a "hazardous" 414, ANI reported. Delhi: Anti-smog gun being tested near Anand Vihar Bus Station. Anand Vihar's AQI presently 'Hazardous' at 414 (source AQICN) pic.twitter.com/crA2331tlk — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2017 × On December 18, in a meeting to review the detailed action plan of agencies and stakeholders on measures to combat air pollution, environment secretary Anil Kumar Singh apprised Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal of the trial run of the anti-smog gun. In the meeting, the Lt Governor directed authorities to ensure management of municipal solid waste completely in a time frame of 16 months. The lieutenant governor also directed all three corporations to ensure that no methane fires occur at the three landfill sites. The L-G also asked all three municipal commissioners to procure requisite mechanical sweepers, litter pickers, water sprinklers within a stipulated time. Pollution-levels in Delhi remain poor in winters because of the rapid drop in temperatures and stubble burning in the adjoining states of Punjab and Haryana. This year has been no exception. This morning, The Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 and PM 10, indexes of air pollution, remained in the "poor" category in Delhi's Lodhi Road area. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi government tests anti-smog gun

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

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

A day after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-smog-69-trains-delayed-22-recheduled-eight-cancelled-24069">Delhi government decided not to implement the odd-even</a> scheme for cars, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea seeking immediate measures to curb&nbsp;rising pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The CJI bench will hear the matter at the end of the board today.

The plea was filed by Supreme court lawyer&nbsp;RK Kapoor.&nbsp;The plea seeks to&nbsp;immediate action&nbsp;against stubble burning and construction dust.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal(NGT) hit out at the&nbsp;Delhi government saying whether the officials were only &quot;informing&quot;&nbsp;the media about the review petition on the odd-even scheme, as no review petition had been filed.&nbsp;

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NGT asks whether the Delhi government was only informing the media about a review petition on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OddEven?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OddEven</a> scheme since no review petition has been filed as yet.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929942001696436224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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NGT further said that the Delhi government had still not moved modification on NGT on the issue of odd-even vehicle number plates.&nbsp;

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NGT on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> Smog and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OddEven?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OddEven</a>: Delhi Government has still not moved modification application on NGT on the issue of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OddEven?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OddEven</a>. NGT observes &quot;govt approaching us or was its minister&#39;s statement for press only?&quot;
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929943445967290368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, the NGT had told the Delhi government to go ahead with the odd-even scheme but refused to exempt women and government vehicles. The Delhi government later decided not to go ahead with the scheme fearing safety&nbsp;for women.

Meanwhile, schools in Delhi reopened after being closed due to severe smog conditions, however, heavy smog continued unabated as Delhiites woke up on Monday morning.

(With inputs from ANI)

?The Supreme Court agrees to hear a fresh plea seeking immediate measures to curb?rising pollution in Delhi-NCR

A day after the Delhi government decided not to implement the odd-even scheme for cars, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea seeking immediate measures to curb rising pollution in Delhi-NCR. The CJI bench will hear the matter at the end of the board today. The plea was filed by Supreme court lawyer RK Kapoor. The plea seeks to immediate action against stubble burning and construction dust. Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal(NGT) hit out at the Delhi government saying whether the officials were only "informing" the media about the review petition on the odd-even scheme, as no review petition had been filed. NGT asks whether the Delhi government was only informing the media about a review petition on the #OddEven scheme since no review petition has been filed as yet. — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2017 × NGT further said that the Delhi government had still not moved modification on NGT on the issue of odd-even vehicle number plates. NGT on #Delhi Smog and #OddEven: Delhi Government has still not moved modification application on NGT on the issue of #OddEven. NGT observes "govt approaching us or was its minister's statement for press only?" — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2017 × On Sunday, the NGT had told the Delhi government to go ahead with the odd-even scheme but refused to exempt women and government vehicles. The Delhi government later decided not to go ahead with the scheme fearing safety for women. Meanwhile, schools in Delhi reopened after being closed due to severe smog conditions, however, heavy smog continued unabated as Delhiites woke up on Monday morning. (With inputs from ANI)

Delhi smog: Supreme Court to hear plea on pollution today

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;

&nbsp;

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File photo of Mexico&#39;s ambassador to India, Melba Maria Pria Olavarrieta (Facebook)
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&nbsp;

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

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;

&nbsp;

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