The Center for Energy and Clean Air Research and the Greenpeace Branch in Southeast Asia recently published research according to which, the global&nbsp;cost&nbsp;of fossil-fueled&nbsp;air pollution&nbsp;is $ 8 billion a day, or roughly 3.3% of global economic output.

China, the United States and India bear the highest cost from fossil fuel air pollution.

In India, the cost of fossil fuel pollution is $150 billion&nbsp;a year, the report further estimated. The whopping number is&nbsp;&nbsp;5.4 per cent of India's GDP and to put this more perspective, the number is higher than what New Delhi spends on education; India spends on healthcare.

This is even more than the GDP of several countries including, Barbados, Maldives, Seychelles etc.

Almost all of India's factories run on fossil fuels. Coal, which is&nbsp;the largest source of energy supply in India, is being burnt to fuel development in India and this, in turn, is taking a toll on the country's economy.

The country is the third-largest consumer of oil while it is&nbsp;the fourth-largest oil refiner in the world.

Earlier studies have shown that&nbsp;living in New Delhi is like smoking 10 cigarettes a day.&nbsp;

Burning of fossil fuel is not just harming the environment. It is also taking a toll on India's health, economy, and work-life balance.

The report further said that exposure to pollution from fossil fuels also leads to around 49 crore days of work absence due to illness.

Another source of economic costs is&nbsp;around 12.85 lakh more children in India live with Asthma linked to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a by-product of fossil fuel combustion.

Air pollution is also killing&nbsp;1 million Indians every year, meanwhile,&nbsp;there are 980,000 pre-term births every year. These are all related to fossil fuel air pollution.

"Air pollution from fossil fuels is a threat to our health and our economies. It takes millions of lives and costs us trillions of dollars,” a research specialist at air cleanliness at Greenpeace Southeast Asia said.

"But this is a problem we know how to solve: by switching to renewable energy, gradually eliminating diesel and gasoline vehicles and building public transport."

The Center for Energy and Clean Air Research and the Greenpeace Branch in Southeast Asia recently published research according to which, the global cost of fossil-fueled air pollution is $ 8 billion a day, or roughly 3.

The Center for Energy and Clean Air Research and the Greenpeace Branch in Southeast Asia recently published research according to which, the global cost of fossil-fueled air pollution is $ 8 billion a day, or roughly 3.3% of global economic output. China, the United States and India bear the highest cost from fossil fuel air pollution. In India, the cost of fossil fuel pollution is $150 billion a year, the report further estimated. The whopping number is 5.4 per cent of India's GDP and to put this more perspective, the number is higher than what New Delhi spends on education; India spends on healthcare. This is even more than the GDP of several countries including, Barbados, Maldives, Seychelles etc. Almost all of India's factories run on fossil fuels. Coal, which is the largest source of energy supply in India, is being burnt to fuel development in India and this, in turn, is taking a toll on the country's economy. The country is the third-largest consumer of oil while it is the fourth-largest oil refiner in the world. Earlier studies have shown that living in New Delhi is like smoking 10 cigarettes a day. Burning of fossil fuel is not just harming the environment. It is also taking a toll on India's health, economy, and work-life balance. The report further said that exposure to pollution from fossil fuels also leads to around 49 crore days of work absence due to illness. Another source of economic costs is around 12.85 lakh more children in India live with Asthma linked to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a by-product of fossil fuel combustion. Air pollution is also killing 1 million Indians every year, meanwhile, there are 980,000 pre-term births every year. These are all related to fossil fuel air pollution. "Air pollution from fossil fuels is a threat to our health and our economies. It takes millions of lives and costs us trillions of dollars,” a research specialist at air cleanliness at Greenpeace Southeast Asia said. "But this is a problem we know how to solve: by switching to renewable energy, gradually eliminating diesel and gasoline vehicles and building public transport."

Air pollution costs India $150 billion a year: Report

Visiting hill stations in India is a sad affair. I keep on running to them because I saw most of the majestic mountains with my father. The visits evoke powerful childhood memories, but each time I go I end up coming back to Delhi less satisfied and more disturbed.

Even the best of the virgin forests have been ravaged by plastic. The new infrastructure has been built but it ends up obliterating and destroying the history of the place. Be it Dehradun, Mussoorie or any other town which was discovered, settled and built by the British during pre-independent India, has now been ravaged beyond repair.

The crass commercialisation has robbed pristine charm from towns, urban-villages and even remote areas used for adventure tourism. Unlike the West and especially Europe, the older urban settlements are treated with care. The settlements preserve history through architecture and life cycle. There is a heritage value attached to the place. People of the town become the custodian of the place. Even remote cities like Vladivostok in Russia which has seen a massive urban renewal in the last 20 years have preserved monuments related to Czars and older Russia. Even Singapore which has seen massive rebuilding has been able to preserve Little India where tourists spend hours in the end for fun and food.

In India, the opposite seems to have happened. The modern urban incentive for immediate business has destroyed pristine places and finished a sense of ownership of the place. The logic of immediate benefit not only destroys the place but also ends up dislocating local community life in the long run.

The first example which comes to my mind is the small property which I and my brother own in a remote village adjacent to Pangot. The road from the hill station of Pangot ends 2 km after our village into virgin forest. The local developers want the road to reach the plains so that travel time can be cut to avoid travelling to Nanital to reach Haldwani, a trading town nestled on the foothills of Himalayas.

The local developers want this road cut through the dense forest and reach the town built adjacent to Jim Corbett National Park. When I ask, what will happen when trucks will start plying through the bird sanctuary and adjacent reserve forest on which tourist industry is based, the answer is the same. “Yeh bahut door ki baat kar dee.”

Both people and state have failed to create a sense of custodianship of jungles and tourist towns based on nature’s beauty in India. The massive construction in the Himalayas is not only destroying the beauty,&nbsp;but also incurring great ecological damage. In one of the walks I took from a guest house nestled 15 km from Dehradun on a less used road to Mussoorie, I found every corner with a Maggie Point. Comfort food but each shop in the middle of the Saal forest was adjacent to a dump pile. There was no sense of ownership. The lack of it is not limited to the working but also to the rich who have built ugly buildings right inside the reserve areas by bending the rules.

Not one city, from Tawang in the east to Dehradun and Shimla in the West has been able to retain its ethnic style of architecture or build a new one. The colonial structures are either with the government or Army. Rest have withered away.

Not only tourist places in mountains lack architectural style but also a policy which would enable it to have a character. It was heartening to see open defecation free semi-urban villages nestled in remote areas, but they continue to be devoid of garbage management facility.

I have been travelling to the Himalayas from the last 30 years. I have been privileged to have travelled in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh extensively. The modernity has definitely provided the benefit of communication, tourism and better lifestyle but lack of ownership of nature and rampant urbanisation without retaining the character of the place coupled with plastic has destroyed many pristine places.

There is still time to salvage beautiful places, but it would require civic action from people living in urban areas. These urban areas should become agents of change and conservation through poetry, art and public participation apart from just acting as economic engines of the state.

In the absence of the former, the economic engine would also fail because the engine rests on the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas which we seem to be intent on destroying. We desperately need a new type of urban renewal movement where people take over space from corrupt government and crony capitalists, who for quick money have destroyed many beautiful towns and countryside in the Himalayas.

The village where we have the house passes through Pangot. It is a classic example of urban monstrosity. What should have remained a birders paradise with nature blending architecture has turned into a garish mall which only ends up destroying nature without sustaining the local economy in the long run. None of them provides food outsourced from local communities. None of them re-cycle waste. None of them uses local material for building. None of them uses conservation techniques. And by the end of the day, all of them will end up destroying the edifice on which their business is built. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Visiting hill stations in India is a sad affair. I keep on running to them because I saw most of the majestic mountains with my father. The visits evoke powerful childhood memories, but each time I go I end up coming back to Delhi less satisfied and more disturbed.

Visiting hill stations in India is a sad affair. I keep on running to them because I saw most of the majestic mountains with my father. The visits evoke powerful childhood memories, but each time I go I end up coming back to Delhi less satisfied and more disturbed. Even the best of the virgin forests have been ravaged by plastic. The new infrastructure has been built but it ends up obliterating and destroying the history of the place. Be it Dehradun, Mussoorie or any other town which was discovered, settled and built by the British during pre-independent India, has now been ravaged beyond repair. The crass commercialisation has robbed pristine charm from towns, urban-villages and even remote areas used for adventure tourism. Unlike the West and especially Europe, the older urban settlements are treated with care. The settlements preserve history through architecture and life cycle. There is a heritage value attached to the place. People of the town become the custodian of the place. Even remote cities like Vladivostok in Russia which has seen a massive urban renewal in the last 20 years have preserved monuments related to Czars and older Russia. Even Singapore which has seen massive rebuilding has been able to preserve Little India where tourists spend hours in the end for fun and food. In India, the opposite seems to have happened. The modern urban incentive for immediate business has destroyed pristine places and finished a sense of ownership of the place. The logic of immediate benefit not only destroys the place but also ends up dislocating local community life in the long run. The first example which comes to my mind is the small property which I and my brother own in a remote village adjacent to Pangot. The road from the hill station of Pangot ends 2 km after our village into virgin forest. The local developers want the road to reach the plains so that travel time can be cut to avoid travelling to Nanital to reach Haldwani, a trading town nestled on the foothills of Himalayas. The local developers want this road cut through the dense forest and reach the town built adjacent to Jim Corbett National Park. When I ask, what will happen when trucks will start plying through the bird sanctuary and adjacent reserve forest on which tourist industry is based, the answer is the same. “Yeh bahut door ki baat kar dee.” Both people and state have failed to create a sense of custodianship of jungles and tourist towns based on nature’s beauty in India. The massive construction in the Himalayas is not only destroying the beauty, but also incurring great ecological damage. In one of the walks I took from a guest house nestled 15 km from Dehradun on a less used road to Mussoorie, I found every corner with a Maggie Point. Comfort food but each shop in the middle of the Saal forest was adjacent to a dump pile. There was no sense of ownership. The lack of it is not limited to the working but also to the rich who have built ugly buildings right inside the reserve areas by bending the rules. Not one city, from Tawang in the east to Dehradun and Shimla in the West has been able to retain its ethnic style of architecture or build a new one. The colonial structures are either with the government or Army. Rest have withered away. Not only tourist places in mountains lack architectural style but also a policy which would enable it to have a character. It was heartening to see open defecation free semi-urban villages nestled in remote areas, but they continue to be devoid of garbage management facility. I have been travelling to the Himalayas from the last 30 years. I have been privileged to have travelled in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh extensively. The modernity has definitely provided the benefit of communication, tourism and better lifestyle but lack of ownership of nature and rampant urbanisation without retaining the character of the place coupled with plastic has destroyed many pristine places. There is still time to salvage beautiful places, but it would require civic action from people living in urban areas. These urban areas should become agents of change and conservation through poetry, art and public participation apart from just acting as economic engines of the state. In the absence of the former, the economic engine would also fail because the engine rests on the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas which we seem to be intent on destroying. We desperately need a new type of urban renewal movement where people take over space from corrupt government and crony capitalists, who for quick money have destroyed many beautiful towns and countryside in the Himalayas. The village where we have the house passes through Pangot. It is a classic example of urban monstrosity. What should have remained a birders paradise with nature blending architecture has turned into a garish mall which only ends up destroying nature without sustaining the local economy in the long run. None of them provides food outsourced from local communities. None of them re-cycle waste. None of them uses local material for building. None of them uses conservation techniques. And by the end of the day, all of them will end up destroying the edifice on which their business is built. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The sorry state of Himalayas

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesco-suspends-chinese-supplier-after-suspected-prisoner-message-269636">British Heart Foundation</a> (BHF) has warned that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/17-people-killed-in-kabul-due-to-air-pollution-271306">air pollution</a> can become the cause of 1,60,000 deaths in the next ten years.

"In the UK, approximately 40 individuals die daily due to heart and blood circulation problems caused by toxic air throughout the next ten years.&nbsp; 
At present, the yearly number of deaths is 11,000 and that figure is anticipated to ascend during the decade," the foundation said.

Air contamination is known to mess breathing up, however, the proof has indicated that it likewise harmfully affects the heart and veins, aggravating existing heart conditions and expanding the danger of cardiovascular failure or stroke.

It has recommended the United Kingdom (UK) to follow the guidelines issued by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/with-purifiers-and-lawsuits-pakistanis-fight-back-against-smog-270903">World Health Organisation</a> (WHO) and fulfil them 2030.

UK meets limit set by the European Union (EU) for fine particulate matter pollution which is an annual average of 25μg/m3

Whereas, the limits set by WHO is an annual average of 10μg/m3.

PM2.5 can have a ''extremely detrimental effect to the heart'' can further <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-remains-in-very-poor-category-overall-air-quality-index-332-270470">deteriorate</a> the existing health problems.

''Each day, toxic particles are inhaled by millions of people. These enter the bloodstream and then get stuck there. This leads to an increment in the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The current air quality is below par of what it should be and this is a public health emergency. Appropriate measures have not been taken to tackle this problem'', said the BHF expert.

''It should be ensured that guidelines which are more stern and health-based are incorporated by the law to protect the health of people'', he also added.

Across the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-crisis-to-be-part-of-school-education-in-new-zealand-273868">United Kingdom</a>, 37 cities persistently display illegal levels of air pollution.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has warned that air pollution can become the cause of 1,60,000 deaths in the next ten years. "In the UK, approximately 40 individuals die daily due to heart and blood circulation problems caused by toxic air throughout the next ten years.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has warned that air pollution can become the cause of 1,60,000 deaths in the next ten years. "In the UK, approximately 40 individuals die daily due to heart and blood circulation problems caused by toxic air throughout the next ten years. At present, the yearly number of deaths is 11,000 and that figure is anticipated to ascend during the decade," the foundation said. Air contamination is known to mess breathing up, however, the proof has indicated that it likewise harmfully affects the heart and veins, aggravating existing heart conditions and expanding the danger of cardiovascular failure or stroke. It has recommended the United Kingdom (UK) to follow the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and fulfil them 2030. UK meets limit set by the European Union (EU) for fine particulate matter pollution which is an annual average of 25μg/m3 Whereas, the limits set by WHO is an annual average of 10μg/m3. PM2.5 can have a ''extremely detrimental effect to the heart'' can further deteriorate the existing health problems. ''Each day, toxic particles are inhaled by millions of people. These enter the bloodstream and then get stuck there. This leads to an increment in the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The current air quality is below par of what it should be and this is a public health emergency. Appropriate measures have not been taken to tackle this problem'', said the BHF expert. ''It should be ensured that guidelines which are more stern and health-based are incorporated by the law to protect the health of people'', he also added. Across the United Kingdom, 37 cities persistently display illegal levels of air pollution.

Toxic air to cause 160,000 deaths in the UK over the next 10 years: British Heart Foundation

China's&nbsp;top&nbsp;steelmaking&nbsp;city&nbsp;of&nbsp;Tangshan, in the country's northern province of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-completes-mars-landing-experiment-to-launch-mission-in-2020-262231">Hebei</a>, on Thursday, issued an&nbsp;orange&nbsp;alert&nbsp;for pollution due to deteriorating weather conditions, according to a local government notice.

Orange&nbsp;alerts, the second-highest after red in Hebei's three-tier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/economic-slowdown-will-not-change-china-environment-policies-souces-270344">pollution</a> warning system, require companies to take action to cut emissions and in some cases restrict output, although the province has a "positive list" exempting thousands of firms from production cuts.

The&nbsp;alert&nbsp;is in place from 8 AM (0000 GMT) on Thursday, according to the notice on the&nbsp;Tangshan&nbsp;government website, which said the lifting of the restrictions would be announced separately.

China's top steelmaking city of Tangshan, in the country's northern province of Hebei, on Thursday, issued an orange alert for pollution due to deteriorating weather conditions, according to a local government notice.

China's top steelmaking city of Tangshan, in the country's northern province of Hebei, on Thursday, issued an orange alert for pollution due to deteriorating weather conditions, according to a local government notice. Orange alerts, the second-highest after red in Hebei's three-tier pollution warning system, require companies to take action to cut emissions and in some cases restrict output, although the province has a "positive list" exempting thousands of firms from production cuts. The alert is in place from 8 AM (0000 GMT) on Thursday, according to the notice on the Tangshan government website, which said the lifting of the restrictions would be announced separately.

China: Top steel city Tangshan issues 'Orange smog' alert

The air quality of the national capital improved significantly from 'severe'&nbsp;to 'very poor'&nbsp;category today.

According to data provided by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), AQI recorded in Anand Vihar was at 412 ( 'severe'&nbsp;category ), RK Puram 391 ('very poor'&nbsp;category) and at Rohini at 439 ('severe'&nbsp;category) at 5 am in the morning.

On Tuesday also the pollution level of the national capital remained in the 'severe'&nbsp;category with AQI crossing 430 prompting System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) to advise people to avoid outdoor activities.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

The air quality of the national capital improved significantly from 'severe' to 'very poor' category today. According to data provided by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), AQI recorded in Anand Vihar was at 412 ( 'severe' category ), RK Puram 391 ('very poor' category) and at Rohini at 439 ('severe' category) at 5 am in the morning.

The air quality of the national capital improved significantly from 'severe' to 'very poor' category today. According to data provided by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), AQI recorded in Anand Vihar was at 412 ( 'severe' category ), RK Puram 391 ('very poor' category) and at Rohini at 439 ('severe' category) at 5 am in the morning. On Tuesday also the pollution level of the national capital remained in the 'severe' category with AQI crossing 430 prompting System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) to advise people to avoid outdoor activities. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

Delhi records 'very poor', 'severe' air quality on New Year day

According to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-11-taliban-terrorists-killed-in-airstrikes-271244">Afghanistan's</a> Public Health Ministry, at least 17 people have been killed due to air pollution over the last week.

An anti-pollution campaign was launched on Monday by the ministry. Over 8,800 patients were found to be suffering from respiratory diseases like common cold and lung issues.

Air Visual, an international monitoring organisation, provides regular updates on air pollution. According to them, Kabul has seen hazardous air over the past month.

This spike can be attributed to low-quality fuel being used to keep the infrastructure warm. These include government buildings, wedding halls, houses, etc.

The ministry added that face masks will be distributed among Kabul's local population over the next two weeks.

Yesterday, the ministry ordered shutting down business centres and agencies that rely on poor quality material to ensure heating.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to Afghanistan's Public Health Ministry, at least 17 people have been killed due to air pollution over the last week. An anti-pollution campaign was launched on Monday by the ministry.

According to Afghanistan's Public Health Ministry, at least 17 people have been killed due to air pollution over the last week. An anti-pollution campaign was launched on Monday by the ministry. Over 8,800 patients were found to be suffering from respiratory diseases like common cold and lung issues. Air Visual, an international monitoring organisation, provides regular updates on air pollution. According to them, Kabul has seen hazardous air over the past month. This spike can be attributed to low-quality fuel being used to keep the infrastructure warm. These include government buildings, wedding halls, houses, etc. The ministry added that face masks will be distributed among Kabul's local population over the next two weeks. Yesterday, the ministry ordered shutting down business centres and agencies that rely on poor quality material to ensure heating. (With inputs from agencies)

17 people killed in Kabul due to air pollution

Extinction Rebellion climate activists were arrested after gluing themselves to a roadblock they had erected in central London on Monday (December 9).

Activists glue hands to roadblock to highlight air pollution in London

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) warned Bihar State Pollution Control Board that it may take strict action if they failed to file its response over allegation of pollution caused by thermal power plant at Kanti Nagar village in Muzaffarpur district.

NGT had sought a report from District Magistrate, Muzaffarpur and Bihar State Pollution Control Board with reference to the allegation of pollution being caused by fly ash dump set up by thermal power plant at Village Kanti Nagar, District Muzaffarpur, Bihar causing damage to the public health, animal health and ecology in the area.

The report was required to be furnished within two months vide order dated April 16, 2019. The matter was deferred in various instances due to no response filed from Bihar state PCB.

"In view of the above, case is made out for taking coercive measures as provided under Section 25 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 read with 51 of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, including directing imprisonment of the Member Secretary of the State PCB or to issue arrest warrants for appearance," NGT said.

"However, before taking such measures, we give the last opportunity to the State PCB to furnish a factual and action taken report within one month."

The NGT, which was hearing a petition filed by Satyanarayan Sahni alleging that the thermal power is causing damage to the public health and ecology in the area, has listed the matter for further hearing on February 3 next year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) warned Bihar State Pollution Control Board that it may take strict action if they failed to file its response over allegation of pollution caused by thermal power plant at Kanti Nagar village in Muzaffarpur district.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) warned Bihar State Pollution Control Board that it may take strict action if they failed to file its response over allegation of pollution caused by thermal power plant at Kanti Nagar village in Muzaffarpur district. NGT had sought a report from District Magistrate, Muzaffarpur and Bihar State Pollution Control Board with reference to the allegation of pollution being caused by fly ash dump set up by thermal power plant at Village Kanti Nagar, District Muzaffarpur, Bihar causing damage to the public health, animal health and ecology in the area. The report was required to be furnished within two months vide order dated April 16, 2019. The matter was deferred in various instances due to no response filed from Bihar state PCB. "In view of the above, case is made out for taking coercive measures as provided under Section 25 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 read with 51 of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, including directing imprisonment of the Member Secretary of the State PCB or to issue arrest warrants for appearance," NGT said. "However, before taking such measures, we give the last opportunity to the State PCB to furnish a factual and action taken report within one month." The NGT, which was hearing a petition filed by Satyanarayan Sahni alleging that the thermal power is causing damage to the public health and ecology in the area, has listed the matter for further hearing on February 3 next year.

NGT warns pollution board of action; seeks response on Muzaffarpur's thermal power plant

The Marina is Indias's longest urban beach, the locals complain of stench from Marina Form. The form could cause skin related problem.

India: Marina beach covered in toxic foam, Pollution impact lives

UN Chief said that'' We've sleepwalked past point of no return." Climate submits to run until December 3.

UN Chief issues warning on climate apocalypse

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Urban Development has called for a meeting to discuss the effects of air pollution on lungs in the specific and overall health of citizens of Delhi, on December 5.

All stakeholders including those from urban local bodies, health ministery, Indian Medical Research Council, land-owning agencies have been asked to be present at the meeting.

The agenda of the meeting will be having detailed deliberations on long term solutions that can aid in improving the air quality and lessen its worst impact on the health of the city`s residents.

Chief secretaries of three state- Delhi, Haryana and Punjab will be called as well after this meeting to seek a report on the steps they have taken to curb pollution. Date of this meeting is yet to be finalised, sources stated.

Earlier, a meeting of Parliamentary Standing Committee of Ministry of Urban Development over the deteriorating air quality of the capital, which was scheduled for November 15, was postponed after many officials and parliamentarians gave it a miss.

Later a meeting of a parliamentary panel of urban development was held in parliament on November 20.&nbsp;

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Urban Development has called for a meeting to discuss the effects of air pollution on lungs in the specific and overall health of citizens of Delhi, on December 5.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Urban Development has called for a meeting to discuss the effects of air pollution on lungs in the specific and overall health of citizens of Delhi, on December 5. All stakeholders including those from urban local bodies, health ministery, Indian Medical Research Council, land-owning agencies have been asked to be present at the meeting. The agenda of the meeting will be having detailed deliberations on long term solutions that can aid in improving the air quality and lessen its worst impact on the health of the city`s residents. Chief secretaries of three state- Delhi, Haryana and Punjab will be called as well after this meeting to seek a report on the steps they have taken to curb pollution. Date of this meeting is yet to be finalised, sources stated. Earlier, a meeting of Parliamentary Standing Committee of Ministry of Urban Development over the deteriorating air quality of the capital, which was scheduled for November 15, was postponed after many officials and parliamentarians gave it a miss. Later a meeting of a parliamentary panel of urban development was held in parliament on November 20.

Parliamentary Standing Committee calls meeting on December 5 over effects of pollution on citizens

A wild deer was found dead after swallowing 7 kilograms (15 pounds) of plastic bags and other trash in Thailand, an official said Tuesday, raising the alarm on waste littering the country's waters and forests.

The Southeast Asian country is one of the world's largest consumers of plastic, with Thais using up to 3,000 single-use plastic bags each per year, whether for wrapping street food, takeaway coffee or packing groceries.

Marine animals like turtles and dugongs have died in its waste-choked waters, and autopsies have found that plastic in the stomach lining contributed to their deaths.

Now the scourge of plastic waste is affecting Thailand's animals on land.

Officials said a 10-year-old deer was found dead in a national park in Nan province, around 630 kilometres (390 miles) north of capital Bangkok.

An autopsy discovered "plastic bags in the stomach, which is one of the causes of his death", said Kriangsak Thanompun, director of the protected region in the Khun Sathan National Park.

The bags contained coffee grounds, instant noodle packaging, garbage bags, towels and also underwear, according to photos provided by the national park.

The discovery of the deer comes months after a sick baby dugong won hearts in Thailand as she fought for recovery, only to pass away from an infection exacerbated by plastic bits lining her stomach.

The demise of Mariam in August was widely mourned on social media, reviving public debate on Thailand's urgent need to tackle its plastic addiction.

The loss of the wild deer is "another tragedy", Kriangsak said.

"It shows we have to take seriously and reduce single-use plastic," he said, calling for "nature-friendly products" to be used instead. 
 
Several major retailers, including the operator of the ubiquitous 7-Eleven convenience stores, have pledged to stop handing out single-use plastic bags by January next year.

A wild deer was found dead after swallowing 7 kilograms (15 pounds) of plastic bags and other trash in Thailand, an official said Tuesday, raising the alarm on waste littering the country's waters and forests.

A wild deer was found dead after swallowing 7 kilograms (15 pounds) of plastic bags and other trash in Thailand, an official said Tuesday, raising the alarm on waste littering the country's waters and forests. The Southeast Asian country is one of the world's largest consumers of plastic, with Thais using up to 3,000 single-use plastic bags each per year, whether for wrapping street food, takeaway coffee or packing groceries. Marine animals like turtles and dugongs have died in its waste-choked waters, and autopsies have found that plastic in the stomach lining contributed to their deaths. Now the scourge of plastic waste is affecting Thailand's animals on land. Officials said a 10-year-old deer was found dead in a national park in Nan province, around 630 kilometres (390 miles) north of capital Bangkok. An autopsy discovered "plastic bags in the stomach, which is one of the causes of his death", said Kriangsak Thanompun, director of the protected region in the Khun Sathan National Park. The bags contained coffee grounds, instant noodle packaging, garbage bags, towels and also underwear, according to photos provided by the national park. The discovery of the deer comes months after a sick baby dugong won hearts in Thailand as she fought for recovery, only to pass away from an infection exacerbated by plastic bits lining her stomach. The demise of Mariam in August was widely mourned on social media, reviving public debate on Thailand's urgent need to tackle its plastic addiction. The loss of the wild deer is "another tragedy", Kriangsak said. "It shows we have to take seriously and reduce single-use plastic," he said, calling for "nature-friendly products" to be used instead. Several major retailers, including the operator of the ubiquitous 7-Eleven convenience stores, have pledged to stop handing out single-use plastic bags by January next year.

Dead deer found in Thailand with 7kg of plastic in stomach

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../dhl-to-debut-zero-emission-electric-delivery- vans-in-us-cities-264556">Greenhouse gas emissions</a> surged to a record level last year and world temperatures could rise by more than twice the globally agreed warming limit if nothing is done, a U.N. report showed on Tuesday.

The "Emissions Gap Report" is one of several studies released ahead of U.N. climate talks in Madrid next week aimed at spurring world leaders to limit climate change.

It measures the amount of emissions cuts needed to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, as agreed in the key <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../worlds-energy-watchdog-is-undermining- climate-change-battle-critics-say-261730">2015 Paris Agreement</a>. The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change last year warned of huge global changes if that target is not met, such as the loss of nearly all coral reefs and most Arctic sea ice.

Under current national pledges to cut emissions, "temperatures can be expected to rise by 3.2C this century, bringing wide-ranging and destructive climate impacts," said a summary of the report by the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP).

"Being a grandfather - we don't want to leave that for our grandkids," the report's lead author John Christensen told a news conference.

The report said the safest temperature threshold set in Paris - of 1.5C - was still achievable, but would require emissions cuts of 7.6 per cent&nbsp;a year between 2020-2030, the report said. Limiting the rise to 2C it would mean annual cuts of 2.7 per cent.

"We are talking about transformational change now - incremental change simply will not make it. We simply need to transform societies in the next 10 years," Christensen said.

"The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes."

The report showed that emissions, including those from land-use change such as deforestation, had not yet peaked and rose to a record 55.3 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018.

Christensen said some of those that had met their targets comfortably, such as Turkey and Russia, should tighten them significantly.

The report named the United States as one of several large emitters alongside Brazil and Japan falling short of its own targets, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This month, the Trump administration filed paperwork to quit the Paris Agreement in the first step of a formal withdrawal process.

Countries face a 2020 deadline to set more ambitious emissions cut pledges.

"Had we done it 10 years ago, it would have been easier," said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director. "But the time is now and the opportunity is now."

Greenhouse gas emissions surged to a record level last year and world temperatures could rise by more than twice the globally agreed warming limit if nothing is done, a U.

Greenhouse gas emissions surged to a record level last year and world temperatures could rise by more than twice the globally agreed warming limit if nothing is done, a U.N. report showed on Tuesday. The "Emissions Gap Report" is one of several studies released ahead of U.N. climate talks in Madrid next week aimed at spurring world leaders to limit climate change. It measures the amount of emissions cuts needed to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, as agreed in the key 2015 Paris Agreement. The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change last year warned of huge global changes if that target is not met, such as the loss of nearly all coral reefs and most Arctic sea ice. Under current national pledges to cut emissions, "temperatures can be expected to rise by 3.2C this century, bringing wide-ranging and destructive climate impacts," said a summary of the report by the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP). "Being a grandfather - we don't want to leave that for our grandkids," the report's lead author John Christensen told a news conference. The report said the safest temperature threshold set in Paris - of 1.5C - was still achievable, but would require emissions cuts of 7.6 per cent a year between 2020-2030, the report said. Limiting the rise to 2C it would mean annual cuts of 2.7 per cent. "We are talking about transformational change now - incremental change simply will not make it. We simply need to transform societies in the next 10 years," Christensen said. "The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes." The report showed that emissions, including those from land-use change such as deforestation, had not yet peaked and rose to a record 55.3 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018. Christensen said some of those that had met their targets comfortably, such as Turkey and Russia, should tighten them significantly. The report named the United States as one of several large emitters alongside Brazil and Japan falling short of its own targets, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This month, the Trump administration filed paperwork to quit the Paris Agreement in the first step of a formal withdrawal process. Countries face a 2020 deadline to set more ambitious emissions cut pledges. "Had we done it 10 years ago, it would have been easier," said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director. "But the time is now and the opportunity is now."

Greenhouse emissions hit new record, could bring 'destructive' effects: U.N.

Australia's New South Wales is struggling with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-bushfires-rage-and-choke-sydney-australian-pm-denies-link-to-climate-policies-263569">worst levels of air pollution</a> ever recorded as smoke emanating from bushfires has caused a spike in hospital visits and causing poor visibility for drivers.

Sydney, the country's most populous city, woke up to a thick haze, and blood-red sun, for the fourth consecutive day on Friday, even as a cooler change brought some relief for firefighters battling scores of wildfires across the country's southeast.

The harbour city of Sydney peaked at number eight on the Air Visual global rankings, where it now at number ten - a rare appearance for the city. This effectively makes it one of the most polluted cities in the world. It ranks above Jakarta and Shenzhen, and just below Mumbai and Kolkata.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is now facing mounting pressure to find a solution as critics slam him for not doing enough. He recently claimed that the bushfire had nothing to do with his climate policies, including the one that supports the coal industry.

"The suggestion that Australia, by having some trade-off where we could have higher emissions reduction targets, which would destroy jobs in regional communities, if we did that, then we wouldn't be having these fires. That is just not true," Morrison told 3AW radio.

Morrison's conservative government has committed to the Paris Agreement to reduce its emissions by 26-28 per cent&nbsp;from 2005 levels by 2030. Critics point out that current projections suggest it will not meet that target and have called on the government to put in place policies to address the shortfall.

Watch: Hazardous thick layer of bushfire smoke covers Sydney

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-hazardous-thick-layer-of-bushfire-smoke-covered-sydney-263107/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The impacts of the ongoing drought and recent bushfires have led to some of the highest levels of air pollutants recorded in New South Wales since air quality monitoring began during the millennium drought," a spokeswoman for the state's Department of Planning, Industry and Environment said in an email.

Workers heading into the city and children going to school donned masks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfire-threat-spreads-wreaks-havoc-in-australia-as-sydney-chokes-263481">to deal with the hazardous air quality</a> while 55 bush and grass fires still burned across the state after two weeks.

The smoke coming from the bushfires contains particulate pollution, which gets absorbed into the bloodstream. According to the NSW Health Ministry, the number of people showing up at hospital emergency departments has increased.

Authorities have also advised drivers to practice caution in New South Wales and South Australia owing to low visibility.

The bushfires have already left at least four people dead and destroyed more than 400 homes across two states since the start of November. Fires are still burning in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland states.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hazardous-bushfire-smoke-blankets-sydney-residents-warned-to-stay-inside-263070">Bushfires are common in Australia</a>, but the fire season this year began much earlier than usual, with temperatures reaching 40-degree celsius. Three years of drought have also added to the menace, with help from high winds.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Australia's New South Wales is struggling with the worst levels of air pollution ever recorded as smoke emanating from bushfires has caused a spike in hospital visits and causing poor visibility for drivers.

Australia's New South Wales is struggling with the worst levels of air pollution ever recorded as smoke emanating from bushfires has caused a spike in hospital visits and causing poor visibility for drivers. Sydney, the country's most populous city, woke up to a thick haze, and blood-red sun, for the fourth consecutive day on Friday, even as a cooler change brought some relief for firefighters battling scores of wildfires across the country's southeast. The harbour city of Sydney peaked at number eight on the Air Visual global rankings, where it now at number ten - a rare appearance for the city. This effectively makes it one of the most polluted cities in the world. It ranks above Jakarta and Shenzhen, and just below Mumbai and Kolkata. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is now facing mounting pressure to find a solution as critics slam him for not doing enough. He recently claimed that the bushfire had nothing to do with his climate policies, including the one that supports the coal industry. "The suggestion that Australia, by having some trade-off where we could have higher emissions reduction targets, which would destroy jobs in regional communities, if we did that, then we wouldn't be having these fires. That is just not true," Morrison told 3AW radio. Morrison's conservative government has committed to the Paris Agreement to reduce its emissions by 26-28 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030. Critics point out that current projections suggest it will not meet that target and have called on the government to put in place policies to address the shortfall. Watch: Hazardous thick layer of bushfire smoke covers Sydney "The impacts of the ongoing drought and recent bushfires have led to some of the highest levels of air pollutants recorded in New South Wales since air quality monitoring began during the millennium drought," a spokeswoman for the state's Department of Planning, Industry and Environment said in an email. Workers heading into the city and children going to school donned masks to deal with the hazardous air quality while 55 bush and grass fires still burned across the state after two weeks. The smoke coming from the bushfires contains particulate pollution, which gets absorbed into the bloodstream. According to the NSW Health Ministry, the number of people showing up at hospital emergency departments has increased. Authorities have also advised drivers to practice caution in New South Wales and South Australia owing to low visibility. The bushfires have already left at least four people dead and destroyed more than 400 homes across two states since the start of November. Fires are still burning in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland states. Bushfires are common in Australia, but the fire season this year began much earlier than usual, with temperatures reaching 40-degree celsius. Three years of drought have also added to the menace, with help from high winds. (With inputs from Reuters)

Australia bushfires: Record air pollution numbers recorded in New South Wales, Sydney chokes

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-improves-slightly-in-delhi-safar-says-relief-temporary-263072">air quality</a> is likely to be in the 'bad'&nbsp;to 'very bad'&nbsp;category on Wednesday and may worsen even further in the coming two days in the Delhi and NCR region, according to Skymet Weather. 
 
According to weather experts from Skymet, the reason behind this is a western disturbance on the western side of the Himalayas which is going to impact the flow of air in Delhi-NCR regions. 
 
The reduced flow of air is likely to lead to an increase in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-need-for-odd-even-scheme-as-delhi-skies-have-cleared-up-arvind-kejriwal-262895">accumulation of pollutants</a> in the region and on November 21 and 22 when the situation could worsen even further. 
 
Apart from Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad too are going to be impacted by the worsening air quality. 
 
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi had improved since Saturday when it was marked at 357.

The air quality is likely to be in the 'bad' to 'very bad' category on Wednesday and may worsen even further in the coming two days in the Delhi and NCR region, according to Skymet Weather.

The air quality is likely to be in the 'bad' to 'very bad' category on Wednesday and may worsen even further in the coming two days in the Delhi and NCR region, according to Skymet Weather. According to weather experts from Skymet, the reason behind this is a western disturbance on the western side of the Himalayas which is going to impact the flow of air in Delhi-NCR regions. The reduced flow of air is likely to lead to an increase in the accumulation of pollutants in the region and on November 21 and 22 when the situation could worsen even further. Apart from Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad too are going to be impacted by the worsening air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi had improved since Saturday when it was marked at 357.

Delhi: Air quality to be bad today, may worsen in upcoming days

One cold night in October, Gerel Ganbaatar decided to stay with her parents in one of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mongolian-president-arrives-in-india-to-intensify-bilateral-ties-250746">Mongolia's traditional ger</a> communities on the outskirts of the capital -- a decision which would prove fatal.

Within hours of arriving, she and her parents both became breathless and nauseous. They desperately called for help,&nbsp;but by the time medics arrived Gerel, who was four months pregnant, was already dead.

The 29-year-old's parents were using smokeless briquettes to warm their home for the first time that night: A government-issued fuel,&nbsp;made of coking coal from the southern Gobi region and washed coal powder,&nbsp;it has been linked to deaths and ill-health.

Since residents started using the briquettes in October, there have been seven other deaths,&nbsp;mainly children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Nearly one thousand have been hospitalised in Ulaanbaatar's outer slum districts, prompting fears the fuel can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.&nbsp;

Gerel's grieving mother, Jargalsaikhan Mishigdorj, warns the fuel should be used with care.

"I have burned coal all of my life, we have never ever been suffocated," she explains.&nbsp;

The Mongolian government is trying to battle dangerous smog levels in one of the world's most polluted cities by trying to offer replacements for raw coal, which produces a dense, dangerous smoke, but is often&nbsp;used by the poor to warm their homes in a place where temperature can plummet to minus 40C.&nbsp;

Mongolian officials say the briquettes last longer and emit fewer fumes.

Toxic air

One nurse at the National Poison Emergency hospital, who declined to say her name, told AFP she had never seen the numbers of carbon monoxide poisoning patients so high.

"We are working under an enormous amount of pressure," she says.

The city's emergency unit said issues were easing once people were told the "correct ways to burn the briquettes".&nbsp;

They said public service workers were spending time in the ger district to teach people about the new fuel as well as to report if any raw coal was still being used.

Its the latest example of governments in Asia struggling to find a safe, workable solution to replacing coal, in a region that is battling toxic levels of air pollution.

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise to provide cooking gas connections to millions of rural residents has been beset by corruption.&nbsp;

In neighbouring China, three million homes near Beijing were ordered to switch from coal to gas or electric heating in 2017, but a difficult transition left many without any heating at all.

Ulaanbaatar is the world's coldest capital and only half of the residents have central heating, and Ulaanbaatar regularly exceeds World Health Organisation recommendations for air quality.

The government has been trying to force low-grade coal out of commission to reduce the thick air pollution that has plagued the city.&nbsp;

And experts say there is evidence that the move is already having a positive impact on the environment.

Sonomdagva, associate professor at the National University of Mongolia, told AFP that PM 2.5 -- tiny particles that get into the lungs and bloodstream -- had decreased by 40 per cent compared with October last year.

"However, an incredibly long and warm autumn, plus the usage of the new refined fuel, and fear of suffocation meaning people use only wood (for fuel) can also be reasons of the 40 per cent decrease," he said.

Fear of suffocation

Byambajargal Losol, a physicist at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-time-in-a-decade-mongolian-president-to-visit-india-250052">Mongolian Science Academy</a>, told AFP that he believes the smokeless briquettes are the best way to reduce air pollution -- but that more needs to be done to help their safe use.

"People are using briquettes just like the old raw coal and burning it the same way," he said, adding: "The briquettes are thick and compact so they require twice as much oxygen to burn, compared to raw coal."

Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when there is a restricted oxygen supply.

The state-owned factory that produces the briquettes said families should also clean their stoves before burning the new fuel.

It has started providing free stove repair services after issues were highlighted in the local press. The government has also promised to distribute free smoke detectors in ger districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While citizens say the briquettes have benefits, some remain wary.

Ger resident Turbold Sainbuyan told AFP that the new briquettes save time and last longer.

"I had to break up the raw coal, (but) the briquettes are ready to use," he says.&nbsp;

"Now we use one bag of briquettes for three days compared to one bag of raw coal for only one day," he adds.

His mother Enkhjargal Chuluun, a nurse at a private dental clinic, said the briquettes are warmer than raw coal.

She says: "But we still have fear of suffocation, so we started opening the window at night."

One cold night in October, Gerel Ganbaatar decided to stay with her parents in one of Mongolia's traditional ger communities on the outskirts of the capital -- a decision which would prove fatal.

One cold night in October, Gerel Ganbaatar decided to stay with her parents in one of Mongolia's traditional ger communities on the outskirts of the capital -- a decision which would prove fatal. Within hours of arriving, she and her parents both became breathless and nauseous. They desperately called for help, but by the time medics arrived Gerel, who was four months pregnant, was already dead. The 29-year-old's parents were using smokeless briquettes to warm their home for the first time that night: A government-issued fuel, made of coking coal from the southern Gobi region and washed coal powder, it has been linked to deaths and ill-health. Since residents started using the briquettes in October, there have been seven other deaths, mainly children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Nearly one thousand have been hospitalised in Ulaanbaatar's outer slum districts, prompting fears the fuel can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Gerel's grieving mother, Jargalsaikhan Mishigdorj, warns the fuel should be used with care. "I have burned coal all of my life, we have never ever been suffocated," she explains. The Mongolian government is trying to battle dangerous smog levels in one of the world's most polluted cities by trying to offer replacements for raw coal, which produces a dense, dangerous smoke, but is often used by the poor to warm their homes in a place where temperature can plummet to minus 40C. Mongolian officials say the briquettes last longer and emit fewer fumes. Toxic air One nurse at the National Poison Emergency hospital, who declined to say her name, told AFP she had never seen the numbers of carbon monoxide poisoning patients so high. "We are working under an enormous amount of pressure," she says. The city's emergency unit said issues were easing once people were told the "correct ways to burn the briquettes". They said public service workers were spending time in the ger district to teach people about the new fuel as well as to report if any raw coal was still being used. Its the latest example of governments in Asia struggling to find a safe, workable solution to replacing coal, in a region that is battling toxic levels of air pollution. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise to provide cooking gas connections to millions of rural residents has been beset by corruption. In neighbouring China, three million homes near Beijing were ordered to switch from coal to gas or electric heating in 2017, but a difficult transition left many without any heating at all. Ulaanbaatar is the world's coldest capital and only half of the residents have central heating, and Ulaanbaatar regularly exceeds World Health Organisation recommendations for air quality. The government has been trying to force low-grade coal out of commission to reduce the thick air pollution that has plagued the city. And experts say there is evidence that the move is already having a positive impact on the environment. Sonomdagva, associate professor at the National University of Mongolia, told AFP that PM 2.5 -- tiny particles that get into the lungs and bloodstream -- had decreased by 40 per cent compared with October last year. "However, an incredibly long and warm autumn, plus the usage of the new refined fuel, and fear of suffocation meaning people use only wood (for fuel) can also be reasons of the 40 per cent decrease," he said. Fear of suffocation Byambajargal Losol, a physicist at the Mongolian Science Academy, told AFP that he believes the smokeless briquettes are the best way to reduce air pollution -- but that more needs to be done to help their safe use. "People are using briquettes just like the old raw coal and burning it the same way," he said, adding: "The briquettes are thick and compact so they require twice as much oxygen to burn, compared to raw coal." Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when there is a restricted oxygen supply. The state-owned factory that produces the briquettes said families should also clean their stoves before burning the new fuel. It has started providing free stove repair services after issues were highlighted in the local press. The government has also promised to distribute free smoke detectors in ger districts. While citizens say the briquettes have benefits, some remain wary. Ger resident Turbold Sainbuyan told AFP that the new briquettes save time and last longer. "I had to break up the raw coal, (but) the briquettes are ready to use," he says. "Now we use one bag of briquettes for three days compared to one bag of raw coal for only one day," he adds. His mother Enkhjargal Chuluun, a nurse at a private dental clinic, said the briquettes are warmer than raw coal. She says: "But we still have fear of suffocation, so we started opening the window at night."

Mongolia's new 'cleaner' fuel linked to deaths, illness

The overall air quality in the national capital remained in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-pollution-leading-to-10-15-spike-in-patients-with-cardiac-disease-says-doctor-262440">'severe' category</a> for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday. 
 
According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality of the national capital docked at 505 at 7.30 am on Saturday. 
 
"The overall Delhi AQI shot up very fast towards the higher side of Severe category mainly due to secondary particulate formation after Delhi experience slight drizzle which is always lethal as also happened in the first week of November. Although PM2.5 is recovering during the daylight, Western Disturbance induced cloudy conditions prevailing over entire northwest India may bring some isolated drizzle in Delhi to offset the day gain," SAFAR stated.

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Smog cover continues over Delhi. Wazirpur at 437 and Mundka at 458, both in 'severe' category on air quality index. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiAirQuality?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiAirQuality</a> <a href="https://t.co/QCLCa6x832">pic.twitter.com/QCLCa6x832</a>
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"Drizzling delayed the recovery and hence, improvement to the very poor category is now expected only by November 17," it added. 
 
Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-again-pulls-up-delhi-govt-says-odd-even-not-a-solution-to-air-pollution-262343">Odd-Even</a> scheme ended on Friday. The Chief Minister had said that state government will take a decision on Monday on the continuation of the scheme.

The overall air quality in the national capital remained in the 'severe' category for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality of the national capital docked at 505 at 7.

The overall air quality in the national capital remained in the 'severe' category for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality of the national capital docked at 505 at 7.30 am on Saturday. "The overall Delhi AQI shot up very fast towards the higher side of Severe category mainly due to secondary particulate formation after Delhi experience slight drizzle which is always lethal as also happened in the first week of November. Although PM2.5 is recovering during the daylight, Western Disturbance induced cloudy conditions prevailing over entire northwest India may bring some isolated drizzle in Delhi to offset the day gain," SAFAR stated. Smog cover continues over Delhi. Wazirpur at 437 and Mundka at 458, both in 'severe' category on air quality index. #DelhiAirQuality pic.twitter.com/QCLCa6x832 — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2019 × "Drizzling delayed the recovery and hence, improvement to the very poor category is now expected only by November 17," it added. Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government's Odd-Even scheme ended on Friday. The Chief Minister had said that state government will take a decision on Monday on the continuation of the scheme.

Delhi: Smog eclipses city as pollution remains in 'severe' category for fourth consecutive day

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

Indian Cricketer turned Lawmaker Gautam Gambhir and 25 others skip house panel meet on pollution. Watch this video to find out more.

Gautam Gambhir among 25 lawmakers who skip house panel meet on pollution

&nbsp;Schools in the National Capital will reopen on Monday after closing for two days due to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../gurugram-struggles-to-breathe-as-air-quality- crosses-700-262316">spike in pollution levels</a>, but air quality is likely to remain "very poor" - a notch below the most hazardous "severe" rating - raising health risks for millions of students.

As a thick cover of toxic smog wrapped New Delhi's 20 million residents on Friday, government pollution monitor SAFAR showed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../pollution-continues-to-hurt-delhi-as-air-quality- close-in-on-emergency-mark-262234">air quality index</a> in the capital was at 540, indicating "severe" conditions, and relief was unlikely in the next 24 hours.

By Monday, Delhi's air quality would likely remain "very poor", SAFAR said, indicating prolonged exposure could lead to respiratory illness.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../govt-to-decide-extending-odd-even-if-air- quality-in-delhi-doesnt-improve-in-2-3-days-arvind-kejriwal-26228...">The state&nbsp;government of Delhi</a> had imposed a two-day shutdown on schools for a second time this month after pollution control authorities declared a public health emergency.

For 32-year old Shamin Qureshi and his 10-year old daughter Akshara, a challenging week lies ahead.

"We have no choice but to send her back to school with her inhaler and medicines," Qureshi said.

The maximum impact would be on school children, said Dhiren Gupta, senior consultant, paediatrics at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, who is also treating 10-year old Akshara.

Toxic smoke wreathing the city has plunged air quality into the "severe" pollution category on more days this month, as data showed that a pledge by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stamp out burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states has not worked.

The air quality index measured by the US&nbsp;embassy in New Delhi surpassed 500 on Friday, which reflects conditions that could cause more serious health effects for everyone.

The index measures the concentration of tiny particles that can lodge deep in the lungs and cause serious ailments, known as fine particulate matter PM 2.5, from their diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Levels above 60 are considered unhealthy.

Every month, Qureshi spends $50, nearly a quarter of his monthly salary, on multiple visits to the hospital for his daughter's medical review.

"These medicines, which either you give by nebulisers or by inhalers, are costly. So the burden lies on the parents and the family," Gupta said.

Activists who say the federal government has been unable to resolve the issue also point to the inability of ordinary people to pressure authorities to fight the public health crisis.

Critics have also questioned the silence of Modi, an avid user of Twitter.

"Undoubtedly, this is a collective failure of all governments," said Anupam, a spokesman of political party Swaraj India, referring to the federal government, the city government of Delhi and its neighbouring states.

Anupam, who uses one name, belongs to the regional party founded by Yogendra Yadav, a leading academic turned politician.

Schools in the National Capital will reopen on Monday after closing for two days due to a spike in pollution levels, but air quality is likely to remain "very poor" - a notch below the most hazardous "severe" rating - raising health risks for millions of students.

Schools in the National Capital will reopen on Monday after closing for two days due to a spike in pollution levels, but air quality is likely to remain "very poor" - a notch below the most hazardous "severe" rating - raising health risks for millions of students. As a thick cover of toxic smog wrapped New Delhi's 20 million residents on Friday, government pollution monitor SAFAR showed air quality index in the capital was at 540, indicating "severe" conditions, and relief was unlikely in the next 24 hours. By Monday, Delhi's air quality would likely remain "very poor", SAFAR said, indicating prolonged exposure could lead to respiratory illness. The state government of Delhi had imposed a two-day shutdown on schools for a second time this month after pollution control authorities declared a public health emergency. For 32-year old Shamin Qureshi and his 10-year old daughter Akshara, a challenging week lies ahead. "We have no choice but to send her back to school with her inhaler and medicines," Qureshi said. The maximum impact would be on school children, said Dhiren Gupta, senior consultant, paediatrics at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, who is also treating 10-year old Akshara. Toxic smoke wreathing the city has plunged air quality into the "severe" pollution category on more days this month, as data showed that a pledge by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stamp out burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states has not worked. The air quality index measured by the US embassy in New Delhi surpassed 500 on Friday, which reflects conditions that could cause more serious health effects for everyone. The index measures the concentration of tiny particles that can lodge deep in the lungs and cause serious ailments, known as fine particulate matter PM 2.5, from their diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Levels above 60 are considered unhealthy. Every month, Qureshi spends $50, nearly a quarter of his monthly salary, on multiple visits to the hospital for his daughter's medical review. "These medicines, which either you give by nebulisers or by inhalers, are costly. So the burden lies on the parents and the family," Gupta said. Activists who say the federal government has been unable to resolve the issue also point to the inability of ordinary people to pressure authorities to fight the public health crisis. Critics have also questioned the silence of Modi, an avid user of Twitter. "Undoubtedly, this is a collective failure of all governments," said Anupam, a spokesman of political party Swaraj India, referring to the federal government, the city government of Delhi and its neighbouring states. Anupam, who uses one name, belongs to the regional party founded by Yogendra Yadav, a leading academic turned politician.

Delhi's schools to reopen next week, parents wary of hazardous air

A puff of fresh air is all for what the Indian capital New Delhi is gasping for over the last 15-20 days as air quality is hovering from 'poor' to 'severe plus' category since late October. Although its effects are unproven, middle-aged and elderly residents were flocking to 'Oxygen bar', that is offering the city a 15-minute session to inhale a cocktail of oxygen in different flavours, for 500 rupees ($7).

Delhi Odd-Even scheme ends today, ‘Oxygen Bar’ sells puff of fresh air to pollution-hit Delhi

By:&nbsp;Sakshi Khandelwal and Ayushi Agarwal

Air pollution is high in more than 90 per cent of cities across the globe and climate change is already damaging the health of the world’s children, a new report revealed on Thursday.

According to the Lancet Countdown Report 2019 on Health and Climate Change, air, water, soil, and chemical pollution were responsible for 940,000 deaths of children worldwide in 2016 and two-thirds of them were under the age of 5.&nbsp;

Pollution is inequitably distributed, and the overwhelming majority of pollution-related deaths in children occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most were due to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases caused by polluted air and water.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in 2018 called air pollution a “silent public health emergency”.&nbsp;

Air pollution annually leads to nearly 7 million premature deaths, about 4 million of which are due to outdoor air pollution. It not only shortens our life span but also affects our day-to-day life negatively. It may cause various heart and lung diseases.&nbsp;

Recent research has linked air pollution to brain cancer for the first time. A comprehensive global review earlier in 2019 concluded that air pollution may be damaging every organ and virtually every cell in the human body.

India is in the midst of an air pollution crisis. Multiple studies show over one million deaths annually in recent years in India is caused by air pollution. According to a Greenpeace study, Delhi is the most polluted capital city on the planet.

World Health Organization (WHO) reports showing that air pollution has a vast and terrible impact on child health and survival. Globally, 93% of all children live in environments with air pollution levels above the WHO guidelines. More than one in every four deaths of children under 5 years is directly or indirectly related to environmental risks. Both ambient air pollution (AAP) and household air pollution (HAP) contribute to respiratory tract infections that resulted in 543 000 deaths in children under 5 years in 2016.&nbsp;

One of the best ways to make our future generations ready is to educate them about pollution and it's adverse effects.&nbsp;

Here is a list of children around the world who have come up with ways to combat pollution and lead a healthy life:

Licypriya Kangujam and her SUKIFU (Survival Kit for the Future)&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
8-years-old Indian Climate Activist Licypriya Kangujam brings out a symbolic device called SUKIFU to curb air pollution. SUKIFU is almost zero budget kit specially designed from trash to provide fresh air into our body when the pollution rate is high.This wearable plant is recognition of the Green Movement and it would be inspiring attention for all across the globe facing deadly pollution.Anybody can build up this concept at home from the trash by recycling to instil fresh air directly into our lungs.

“This is the ultimate solution. Whoever, carry this, especially the children moving on the popular street laced with Smog, would no doubt attract a due attention of the climate experts, pollution control board members, scientists, policymakers, city/municipal commissioners and the entire generation, who are bound to ensure “Safe Future” to their “Generation Next”. This type of pollution is not acceptable by any standards," she said.

Anna Du and her Deep Plastics Initiative 
&nbsp; 
A middle school girl has developed a robot that can find microplastics in the ocean and help in reducing waste and pollution.

She was walking along Castle Island’s beach in South Boston when she noticed plastic scattered on the shoreline. She reached down to pick it up and quickly realized there were many more tiny pieces than she could handle.

“When I realized how many pieces there were, it seemed impossible,” says Du, who was in sixth grade at the time.

Geetanjali Rao and her Tethys 
&nbsp; 
A 13-year-old, who already has her name in the Forbes '30 under 30' list for her small, mobile device that tests for lead in drinking water. It detects the amount of lead present in the sample and also indicates how safe is it to drink that water. She named the device Tethys after the Greek Titan goddess of clean water.

By: Sakshi Khandelwal and Ayushi Agarwal Air pollution is high in more than 90 per cent of cities across the globe and climate change is already damaging the health of the world’s children, a new report revealed on Thursday.

By: Sakshi Khandelwal and Ayushi Agarwal Air pollution is high in more than 90 per cent of cities across the globe and climate change is already damaging the health of the world’s children, a new report revealed on Thursday. According to the Lancet Countdown Report 2019 on Health and Climate Change, air, water, soil, and chemical pollution were responsible for 940,000 deaths of children worldwide in 2016 and two-thirds of them were under the age of 5. Pollution is inequitably distributed, and the overwhelming majority of pollution-related deaths in children occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most were due to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases caused by polluted air and water. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in 2018 called air pollution a “silent public health emergency”. Air pollution annually leads to nearly 7 million premature deaths, about 4 million of which are due to outdoor air pollution. It not only shortens our life span but also affects our day-to-day life negatively. It may cause various heart and lung diseases. Recent research has linked air pollution to brain cancer for the first time. A comprehensive global review earlier in 2019 concluded that air pollution may be damaging every organ and virtually every cell in the human body. India is in the midst of an air pollution crisis. Multiple studies show over one million deaths annually in recent years in India is caused by air pollution. According to a Greenpeace study, Delhi is the most polluted capital city on the planet. World Health Organization (WHO) reports showing that air pollution has a vast and terrible impact on child health and survival. Globally, 93% of all children live in environments with air pollution levels above the WHO guidelines. More than one in every four deaths of children under 5 years is directly or indirectly related to environmental risks. Both ambient air pollution (AAP) and household air pollution (HAP) contribute to respiratory tract infections that resulted in 543 000 deaths in children under 5 years in 2016. One of the best ways to make our future generations ready is to educate them about pollution and it's adverse effects. Here is a list of children around the world who have come up with ways to combat pollution and lead a healthy life: Licypriya Kangujam and her SUKIFU (Survival Kit for the Future) 8-years-old Indian Climate Activist Licypriya Kangujam brings out a symbolic device called SUKIFU to curb air pollution. SUKIFU is almost zero budget kit specially designed from trash to provide fresh air into our body when the pollution rate is high.This wearable plant is recognition of the Green Movement and it would be inspiring attention for all across the globe facing deadly pollution.Anybody can build up this concept at home from the trash by recycling to instil fresh air directly into our lungs. “This is the ultimate solution. Whoever, carry this, especially the children moving on the popular street laced with Smog, would no doubt attract a due attention of the climate experts, pollution control board members, scientists, policymakers, city/municipal commissioners and the entire generation, who are bound to ensure “Safe Future” to their “Generation Next”. This type of pollution is not acceptable by any standards," she said. Anna Du and her Deep Plastics Initiative A middle school girl has developed a robot that can find microplastics in the ocean and help in reducing waste and pollution. She was walking along Castle Island’s beach in South Boston when she noticed plastic scattered on the shoreline. She reached down to pick it up and quickly realized there were many more tiny pieces than she could handle. “When I realized how many pieces there were, it seemed impossible,” says Du, who was in sixth grade at the time. Geetanjali Rao and her Tethys A 13-year-old, who already has her name in the Forbes '30 under 30' list for her small, mobile device that tests for lead in drinking water. It detects the amount of lead present in the sample and also indicates how safe is it to drink that water. She named the device Tethys after the Greek Titan goddess of clean water.

As climate crisis claims over 9 lakh lives, children ready to lead fight against pollution

US President Donald Trump speaking at the &nbsp;Economic Club in New York on Tuesday said that countries like "China, India and Russia are doing absolutely nothing to clean up their smokestacks and clean up all of their plants and all of the garbage that they're dropping in the sea floats into Los Angeles".

Trump who pulled the US out of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/can-the-paris-agreement-on-climate-change-succeed-without-the-us-4-questions-answered-261823"> Paris climate accord </a>last year amid worldwide criticism, said, "We have a relatively small piece of land - the United States. And you compare that to some of the other countries like China, like India, like Russia, like many other countries that absolutely are doing absolutely nothing to clean up their smokestacks and clean up all of their plants and all of the garbage that they're dropping in sea and that floats into Los Angeles, along with other problems that Los Angeles has, by the way."

"But when you see this happening, it's - nobody wants to talk about it. They want to talk about our country. We have to do this. We have can't have planes any longer. We can't have cows any longer. We can't have anything."

"I said, What about China?"

Last week, the US had filed paperwork for the formal exit<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-climate-agreement-us-should-take-more-responsibility-says-china-260120"> from the Paris Agreement</a>, a one-year process to walk out of&nbsp;the global pact which aims to fight climate change even as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added said that the United States had trimmed its emissions in recent years.

Speaking in New York, the US President asserted that he was "very much into climate", adding,&nbsp;"but I want the cleanest air on the planet and I want to have - I have to have clean air-water."

Trump declared the Paris Agreement a "disaster", stating that it resulted in "trillions and trillions of dollars" of destruction to America.

"And it is so unfair. It doesn't kick in for China until 2030. Russia goes back into the 1990s, where the base year was the dirtiest year ever in the world. India, we are supposed to pay them money because they are a developing nation. I said, "We&nbsp;'re a developing nation, too."

Even as the US pulled out the Paris agreement, French President Macron and Chinese President last week signed a pact to declare the "irreversibility of the Paris Agreement."

The Paris Agreement was signed during ex-President Obama's administration promising a 26-28 per cent in US greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 from 2005 levels, a move which was overturned by Trump last year.

Trump campaigned in 2016 presidential polls on a promise to pull the United States out of the agreement, saying it would hurt the US economy while leaving other big polluters like China to increase emissions. The US was bound by UN rules to wait until November 4, 2019, to file exit papers which was filed last week. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump speaking at the Economic Club in New York on Tuesday said that countries like "China, India and Russia are doing absolutely nothing to clean up their smokestacks and clean up all of their plants and all of the garbage that they're dropping in the sea floats into Los Angeles".

US President Donald Trump speaking at the Economic Club in New York on Tuesday said that countries like "China, India and Russia are doing absolutely nothing to clean up their smokestacks and clean up all of their plants and all of the garbage that they're dropping in the sea floats into Los Angeles". Trump who pulled the US out of the Paris climate accord last year amid worldwide criticism, said, "We have a relatively small piece of land - the United States. And you compare that to some of the other countries like China, like India, like Russia, like many other countries that absolutely are doing absolutely nothing to clean up their smokestacks and clean up all of their plants and all of the garbage that they're dropping in sea and that floats into Los Angeles, along with other problems that Los Angeles has, by the way." "But when you see this happening, it's - nobody wants to talk about it. They want to talk about our country. We have to do this. We have can't have planes any longer. We can't have cows any longer. We can't have anything." "I said, What about China?" Last week, the US had filed paperwork for the formal exit from the Paris Agreement, a one-year process to walk out of the global pact which aims to fight climate change even as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added said that the United States had trimmed its emissions in recent years. Speaking in New York, the US President asserted that he was "very much into climate", adding, "but I want the cleanest air on the planet and I want to have - I have to have clean air-water." Trump declared the Paris Agreement a "disaster", stating that it resulted in "trillions and trillions of dollars" of destruction to America. "And it is so unfair. It doesn't kick in for China until 2030. Russia goes back into the 1990s, where the base year was the dirtiest year ever in the world. India, we are supposed to pay them money because they are a developing nation. I said, "We 're a developing nation, too." Even as the US pulled out the Paris agreement, French President Macron and Chinese President last week signed a pact to declare the "irreversibility of the Paris Agreement." The Paris Agreement was signed during ex-President Obama's administration promising a 26-28 per cent in US greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 from 2005 levels, a move which was overturned by Trump last year. Trump campaigned in 2016 presidential polls on a promise to pull the United States out of the agreement, saying it would hurt the US economy while leaving other big polluters like China to increase emissions. The US was bound by UN rules to wait until November 4, 2019, to file exit papers which was filed last week.

Garbage dropped by China, India and Russia into the sea floats into Los Angeles: Trump

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the 31st interaction through 'PRAGATI'&nbsp;and asked the Agriculture Ministry to distribute equipment to farmers of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on a priority basis to tackle stubble burning.

He said that transport and agriculture ministries should come together to develop an e-model of logistics support for agricultural products. The prime minister also called for deploying young officers in aspirational districts and setting timelines to bring them up to national average.

According to an official release, prime minister gave explicit instructions for speedy completion of Katra-Banihal Railway Line by next year and said that Delhi-Meerut Expressway should be completed by the revised timeline of May 2020.

He said that long-delayed projects should be expedited by the respective state governments and directed that regular reports on the progress of such projects be sent to his office.

The release said that in the previous PRAGATI meetings, a total of 265 projects with a total investment of Rs 12.15 lakh crore, besides 47 schemes and grievances related to 17 sectors had been reviewed.

The PRAGATI meeting -- ICT based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation -- witnessed a review of nine projects worth over Rs 61,000 crore related to 16 states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Grievances of Indian citizens working abroad along with subjects like National Agriculture Market and Aspirational District Programme were also discussed.

In the review of the progress of Aspirational District Programme, the prime minister was informed about dashboard based on 49 performance indicators.

"Even slow-moving indicators like the status of nutrition have shown tremendous progress. It was also noted that some districts of Uttar Pradesh have shown impressive growth," the release said.

Calling it an act of national service, the prime minister laid stress on the importance of focussing on education and healthcare of tribal children. "He emphasized the need to decide on timelines to bring the backward districts up to the national average. He also stressed that young officers must be deployed in Aspirational Districts," the release said.

The prime minister was informed about the progress in the National Agriculture Market platform, which has helped in better price discovery. "E-payments are now being made directly into the account of farmers. Progress in the development of two integrated e-mandis in Jammu and Kashmir was also reviewed," the release said.

"Prime minister directed that based on e-models of demand aggregation, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers'&nbsp;Welfare should work together on a new start-up model of logistics support, particularly with regard to the transfer of agricultural products from one state to another," the release said.

It said that all the states must come together and use a common, integrated platform for smooth operation.

"On the issue of stubble burning, Prime Minister directed Agriculture Ministry to give priority to the farmers of the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana in the distribution of equipment to prevent such occurrences," the release said.

Modi reviewed the progress of infrastructure connectivity projects including Katra-Banihal Railway Line."He gave explicit instructions on speedy completion of the project by next year," the release said.

Several projects in the north-east like the widening and up-gradation of Aizawl-Tuipang highway project was also discussed.

"To provide faster and safer connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, the prime minister said that Delhi-Meerut Expressway should be completed by the revised timeline of May 2020," the release said.

On the renewable energy front, Prime Minister chaired discussions about the creation of an intra-state transmission system in eight renewable energy-rich states - Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

He enquired about difficulties being faced by solar and wind power companies in starting new projects, including in the land acquisition process. The prime minister congratulated the state governments of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for progress made in timely completion of the project related to the strengthening of transmission system beyond Vemagiri.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the 31st interaction through 'PRAGATI' and asked the Agriculture Ministry to distribute equipment to farmers of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on a priority basis to tackle stubble burning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the 31st interaction through 'PRAGATI' and asked the Agriculture Ministry to distribute equipment to farmers of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on a priority basis to tackle stubble burning. He said that transport and agriculture ministries should come together to develop an e-model of logistics support for agricultural products. The prime minister also called for deploying young officers in aspirational districts and setting timelines to bring them up to national average. According to an official release, prime minister gave explicit instructions for speedy completion of Katra-Banihal Railway Line by next year and said that Delhi-Meerut Expressway should be completed by the revised timeline of May 2020. He said that long-delayed projects should be expedited by the respective state governments and directed that regular reports on the progress of such projects be sent to his office. The release said that in the previous PRAGATI meetings, a total of 265 projects with a total investment of Rs 12.15 lakh crore, besides 47 schemes and grievances related to 17 sectors had been reviewed. The PRAGATI meeting -- ICT based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation -- witnessed a review of nine projects worth over Rs 61,000 crore related to 16 states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Grievances of Indian citizens working abroad along with subjects like National Agriculture Market and Aspirational District Programme were also discussed. In the review of the progress of Aspirational District Programme, the prime minister was informed about dashboard based on 49 performance indicators. "Even slow-moving indicators like the status of nutrition have shown tremendous progress. It was also noted that some districts of Uttar Pradesh have shown impressive growth," the release said. Calling it an act of national service, the prime minister laid stress on the importance of focussing on education and healthcare of tribal children. "He emphasized the need to decide on timelines to bring the backward districts up to the national average. He also stressed that young officers must be deployed in Aspirational Districts," the release said. The prime minister was informed about the progress in the National Agriculture Market platform, which has helped in better price discovery. "E-payments are now being made directly into the account of farmers. Progress in the development of two integrated e-mandis in Jammu and Kashmir was also reviewed," the release said. "Prime minister directed that based on e-models of demand aggregation, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare should work together on a new start-up model of logistics support, particularly with regard to the transfer of agricultural products from one state to another," the release said. It said that all the states must come together and use a common, integrated platform for smooth operation. "On the issue of stubble burning, Prime Minister directed Agriculture Ministry to give priority to the farmers of the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana in the distribution of equipment to prevent such occurrences," the release said. Modi reviewed the progress of infrastructure connectivity projects including Katra-Banihal Railway Line."He gave explicit instructions on speedy completion of the project by next year," the release said. Several projects in the north-east like the widening and up-gradation of Aizawl-Tuipang highway project was also discussed. "To provide faster and safer connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, the prime minister said that Delhi-Meerut Expressway should be completed by the revised timeline of May 2020," the release said. On the renewable energy front, Prime Minister chaired discussions about the creation of an intra-state transmission system in eight renewable energy-rich states - Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. He enquired about difficulties being faced by solar and wind power companies in starting new projects, including in the land acquisition process. The prime minister congratulated the state governments of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for progress made in timely completion of the project related to the strengthening of transmission system beyond Vemagiri.

PM Modi orders distribution of equipment to farmers on 'priority' to stop stubble burning

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Delhi government for not tackling the air pollution which led to the depletion of air quality in the national capital and asked it to take strict actions against the violators.

A bench headed by Justice Mishra was hearing the issue of air pollution in New Delhi and other parts of north India. For this purpose, the court had summoned the chief secretary of Delhi today.

"You cannot deal with the road dust, construction demolition and garbage dumping then why are you sitting on the chair?" Justice Mishra asked the Delhi chief secretary.

He said that a lot of construction activity is still going on despite a ban being imposed on them. "See the level of pollution. Please take strict action against the violators," Justice Mishra said.

The top court asked the AAP-led Delhi government how it plans to use the funds granted to it by the World Bank for the betterment of the state's infrastructure and development.

"So much of funds have come, where is the concept of Smart City? Why are the roads have not been improved?" Justice Mishra asked.

Chief Secretary of Punjab and Haryana were also asked to be present before the court today.

The court took cognizance of the matter after stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana and other meteorological factors pushed Delhi's air quality level down to the 'very poor' category.

The apex court asked the Punjab and Haryana government to ensure that stubble is not burned in the future.

Slamming the Punjab government, Justice Mishra said, "Why was the government not ready in advance? It seems no steps are taken throughout the year."

The court said that nobody would be spared if they are found violating the rules and regulations.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Delhi government for not tackling the air pollution which led to the depletion of air quality in the national capital and asked it to take strict actions against the violators.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Delhi government for not tackling the air pollution which led to the depletion of air quality in the national capital and asked it to take strict actions against the violators. A bench headed by Justice Mishra was hearing the issue of air pollution in New Delhi and other parts of north India. For this purpose, the court had summoned the chief secretary of Delhi today. "You cannot deal with the road dust, construction demolition and garbage dumping then why are you sitting on the chair?" Justice Mishra asked the Delhi chief secretary. He said that a lot of construction activity is still going on despite a ban being imposed on them. "See the level of pollution. Please take strict action against the violators," Justice Mishra said. The top court asked the AAP-led Delhi government how it plans to use the funds granted to it by the World Bank for the betterment of the state's infrastructure and development. "So much of funds have come, where is the concept of Smart City? Why are the roads have not been improved?" Justice Mishra asked. Chief Secretary of Punjab and Haryana were also asked to be present before the court today. The court took cognizance of the matter after stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana and other meteorological factors pushed Delhi's air quality level down to the 'very poor' category. The apex court asked the Punjab and Haryana government to ensure that stubble is not burned in the future. Slamming the Punjab government, Justice Mishra said, "Why was the government not ready in advance? It seems no steps are taken throughout the year." The court said that nobody would be spared if they are found violating the rules and regulations.

You cannot deal with pollution then why are you sitting on the chair: Supreme Court pulls up Delhi government

To cut the pollution enveloping Delhi and asphyxiating its 20 million people, India's top court has ordered a complete halt to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-complete-halt-to-stubble-burning-around-delhi-260081">stubble burning</a>. But farmers, who are struggling to make a living, say they have no alternative.

In recent days pollution levels hit their highest point in years as smoke, from farms around the Indian capital, combined with other pollutants to form a noxious mix.

Hospitals saw a rush of patients, schools were closed, construction activity was halted and the authorities claimed they got 1.5 million cars off the roads with an odd-even vehicle registration scheme.

Delhi's chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal,&nbsp;calling the city a "gas chamber",&nbsp;said his government had played its part, and blamed farmers for burning agricultural residue.

But Satnam Singh, a poor farmer in northern Punjab state, says that he has to clear his field ready for the next crop.

"Without <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/action-initiated-in-20729-cases-of-stubble-burning-punjab-cm-259743">burning the stubble</a>, we just cannot sow the wheat in the field," Singh told AFP as clouds of acrid smoke rose up from fields all around.

And even though burning stubble is illegal, enforcement is lax.

Government schemes,&nbsp;such as improving access to machinery that removes the need to burn crop residue,&nbsp;have had little impact.

"All these machinery that people talk about, a regular farmer cannot get these machines. They are very expensive. Which farmer can afford that?" said Singh.

This was echoed by Kabal Singh, another farmer in the same region.

"The farmer has no other option but to burn the crop to prepare the land," he told AFP.

"Farmers don’t know how to diversify the crops on their own. Government has to advise us. If they say these areas should grow maize or these areas should grow Basmati rice, then we can follow that," he said.

To cut the pollution enveloping Delhi and asphyxiating its 20 million people, India's top court has ordered a complete halt to stubble burning. But farmers, who are struggling to make a living, say they have no alternative.

To cut the pollution enveloping Delhi and asphyxiating its 20 million people, India's top court has ordered a complete halt to stubble burning. But farmers, who are struggling to make a living, say they have no alternative. In recent days pollution levels hit their highest point in years as smoke, from farms around the Indian capital, combined with other pollutants to form a noxious mix. Hospitals saw a rush of patients, schools were closed, construction activity was halted and the authorities claimed they got 1.5 million cars off the roads with an odd-even vehicle registration scheme. Delhi's chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, calling the city a "gas chamber", said his government had played its part, and blamed farmers for burning agricultural residue. But Satnam Singh, a poor farmer in northern Punjab state, says that he has to clear his field ready for the next crop. "Without burning the stubble, we just cannot sow the wheat in the field," Singh told AFP as clouds of acrid smoke rose up from fields all around. And even though burning stubble is illegal, enforcement is lax. Government schemes, such as improving access to machinery that removes the need to burn crop residue, have had little impact. "All these machinery that people talk about, a regular farmer cannot get these machines. They are very expensive. Which farmer can afford that?" said Singh. This was echoed by Kabal Singh, another farmer in the same region. "The farmer has no other option but to burn the crop to prepare the land," he told AFP. "Farmers don’t know how to diversify the crops on their own. Government has to advise us. If they say these areas should grow maize or these areas should grow Basmati rice, then we can follow that," he said.

No alternative to burning stubble: Indian farmers amid hazardous pollution in North India

How two global capitals checked pollution; Lessons to learn from London, Beijing. Watch video t o know more.

How two global capitals checked pollution; Lessons to learn from London, Beijing

The Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, PK Mishra on Monday reviewed the measures taken by the States of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi to tackle the air pollution. 
 
The Principal Secretary sought to know the details of additional measures taken to check fresh cases of fire and stubble burning in these states during the last 24 hours. 
 
On Sunday, Mishra held a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the three states through video-conferencing. 
 
The Chief Secretary, Punjab stated that he is personally monitoring the situation with Deputy Commissioners of various districts where hotspots have been identified. He added that FIRs are also being registered for violation of The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. 
 
"The State Government is taking strict action by enforcing the necessary fines for incidents of violation of the said Act," told Chief Secretary, Punjab 
While Chief Secretary, Haryana stated that the Chief Minister has directed all concerned to reduce the cases of stubble burning in the state at the earliest. She mentioned that the teams are in the field round the clock to control the cases of air pollution. 
 
The Chief Secretary, Delhi stated that water sprinkling has been intensified, and identified hotspots and corridors are being focused upon to improve the situation. Open dumping of garbage in the city has been stopped and the maximum fine is being imposed and collected from the violators of these norms. 
 
India Meteorological Department indicated that weather conditions are likely to remain favourable over the next few days. 
 
The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of pre-emptive action, as necessary. He said there is a need to establish a mechanism for immediate action. 
 
The Principal Advisor to the Prime Minister P&nbsp;K&nbsp;Sinha, Cabinet Secretary, Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Secretary, Agriculture, Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, Director General of India Meteorological Department and Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi along with other senior officials, attended the meeting.

The Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, PK Mishra on Monday reviewed the measures taken by the States of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi to tackle the air pollution.

The Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, PK Mishra on Monday reviewed the measures taken by the States of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi to tackle the air pollution. The Principal Secretary sought to know the details of additional measures taken to check fresh cases of fire and stubble burning in these states during the last 24 hours. On Sunday, Mishra held a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the three states through video-conferencing. The Chief Secretary, Punjab stated that he is personally monitoring the situation with Deputy Commissioners of various districts where hotspots have been identified. He added that FIRs are also being registered for violation of The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. "The State Government is taking strict action by enforcing the necessary fines for incidents of violation of the said Act," told Chief Secretary, Punjab While Chief Secretary, Haryana stated that the Chief Minister has directed all concerned to reduce the cases of stubble burning in the state at the earliest. She mentioned that the teams are in the field round the clock to control the cases of air pollution. The Chief Secretary, Delhi stated that water sprinkling has been intensified, and identified hotspots and corridors are being focused upon to improve the situation. Open dumping of garbage in the city has been stopped and the maximum fine is being imposed and collected from the violators of these norms. India Meteorological Department indicated that weather conditions are likely to remain favourable over the next few days. The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of pre-emptive action, as necessary. He said there is a need to establish a mechanism for immediate action. The Principal Advisor to the Prime Minister P K Sinha, Cabinet Secretary, Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Secretary, Agriculture, Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, Director General of India Meteorological Department and Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi along with other senior officials, attended the meeting.

Principal Secretary to PM reviews measures taken by North Indian states to curb pollution

With the national capital facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-thick-smog-blankets-parts-of-delhi-air-quality-index-crosses-severe-level-259837">severe air pollution</a>, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Delhi government&nbsp;the "logic" behind the odd-even scheme and ordered it to produce data to prove that the road rationing plan reduces pollution. 
 
The Bench of Justice Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta took up the issue of air pollution in the capital and other parts of north India. 
 
The apex court ruled that persons found violating the ban on construction and demolition in the Delhi-NCR region will be fined Rs 1 lakh and with Rs 5,000 for burning garbage. It also directed municipal bodies to prevent open dumping of garbage. 
 
"Cars create less pollution. What are you [Delhi]&nbsp;getting from this odd-even? What is the logic behind the odd-even scheme? Banning diesel vehicles we can understand, but what is the point of odd-even scheme," Justice Arun Mishra said. 
 
The bench has sought the data or records from the Delhi Government by Friday to prove that the odd-even scheme has reduced pollution in Delhi, even as autos/taxis and two-wheelers continue to ply on the roads. 
 
The next date of hearing in the case is November 6. 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-kejriwal-carpools-with-ministerial-colleagues-on-first-day-of-odd-even-259821">odd-even scheme</a>, which entails cars with even last digits to run on even days and with odd last digits to run on odd days of the month, will be in force from November 4 until November 15. 
 
The Bench also directed the Central government and the Delhi Government to take steps with the help of the experts. 
 
"It is not the way we can live. Centre should do [something], states should do [something], it can't go on. This is too much. No room is safe to live in this city, even in homes. We are losing precious years of our lives due to this," it said. 
 
The apex court also summoned chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to appear before it on stubble burning that leads to pollution. 
 
"Delhi is choking every year and we are not able to do anything. Every year, this is happening and this continues for 10-15 days, this does not happen in civilised countries. The right to life is most important. Things are happening every year under our nose. People are being advised to not come to Delhi, or leave Delhi. State governments are responsible," the bench said. 
 
The court said it will monitor the matter related to air pollution. 
 
"People dying in their state and neighbouring states -&nbsp;will not tolerate this. We are making a mockery of everything. This is a gross violation of the fundamental right to life. We will supervise this matter now. Crop stubble burning must stop immediately and all states must do everything to stop it," the Supreme Court said. 
 
Justice Mishra said that gram pradhans, local officials, police who do not control burning should be removed from their posts. 
 
Justice Arun Mishra further remarked that people were not safe inside their own homes and it was unacceptable in a civilised country and asked what measures were being taken by the government. 
 
Describing the situation as 'grim', the apex court also asked the Centre and Delhi government to inform them what they intend to do to reduce the pollution. 
 
"Situation is grim, what you intend to do as Centre and as the Delhi government to reduce this pollution," Supreme Court asked

Speaking on the situation in the national capital, the court stated the situation is....getting repeated every year and it is not tolerable. 
 
Air quality in Delhi other parts of North India dipped to "severe" after Diwali and a thick blanket of smog can be seen in these areas. 
 
In the wake of the current situation, the Environment Pollution (Prevention &amp; Control) Authority has declared a public health emergency.

With the national capital facing severe air pollution, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Delhi government the "logic" behind the odd-even scheme and ordered it to produce data to prove that the road rationing plan reduces pollution.

With the national capital facing severe air pollution, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Delhi government the "logic" behind the odd-even scheme and ordered it to produce data to prove that the road rationing plan reduces pollution. The Bench of Justice Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta took up the issue of air pollution in the capital and other parts of north India. The apex court ruled that persons found violating the ban on construction and demolition in the Delhi-NCR region will be fined Rs 1 lakh and with Rs 5,000 for burning garbage. It also directed municipal bodies to prevent open dumping of garbage. "Cars create less pollution. What are you [Delhi] getting from this odd-even? What is the logic behind the odd-even scheme? Banning diesel vehicles we can understand, but what is the point of odd-even scheme," Justice Arun Mishra said. The bench has sought the data or records from the Delhi Government by Friday to prove that the odd-even scheme has reduced pollution in Delhi, even as autos/taxis and two-wheelers continue to ply on the roads. The next date of hearing in the case is November 6. The odd-even scheme, which entails cars with even last digits to run on even days and with odd last digits to run on odd days of the month, will be in force from November 4 until November 15. The Bench also directed the Central government and the Delhi Government to take steps with the help of the experts. "It is not the way we can live. Centre should do [something], states should do [something], it can't go on. This is too much. No room is safe to live in this city, even in homes. We are losing precious years of our lives due to this," it said. The apex court also summoned chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to appear before it on stubble burning that leads to pollution. "Delhi is choking every year and we are not able to do anything. Every year, this is happening and this continues for 10-15 days, this does not happen in civilised countries. The right to life is most important. Things are happening every year under our nose. People are being advised to not come to Delhi, or leave Delhi. State governments are responsible," the bench said. The court said it will monitor the matter related to air pollution. "People dying in their state and neighbouring states - will not tolerate this. We are making a mockery of everything. This is a gross violation of the fundamental right to life. We will supervise this matter now. Crop stubble burning must stop immediately and all states must do everything to stop it," the Supreme Court said. Justice Mishra said that gram pradhans, local officials, police who do not control burning should be removed from their posts. Justice Arun Mishra further remarked that people were not safe inside their own homes and it was unacceptable in a civilised country and asked what measures were being taken by the government. Describing the situation as 'grim', the apex court also asked the Centre and Delhi government to inform them what they intend to do to reduce the pollution. "Situation is grim, what you intend to do as Centre and as the Delhi government to reduce this pollution," Supreme Court asked Speaking on the situation in the national capital, the court stated the situation is....getting repeated every year and it is not tolerable. Air quality in Delhi other parts of North India dipped to "severe" after Diwali and a thick blanket of smog can be seen in these areas. In the wake of the current situation, the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority has declared a public health emergency.

Delhi: Supreme Court questions 'logic' behind odd-even scheme, imposes fine of Rs 1 lakh on violators of construction ban

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