As Delhi recorded an AQI of 493 on November 18, 2024, authorities have directed all schools to move classes online and have tightened restrictions on construction and vehicle movements. The level of PM2.5 in Delhi was 26 times higher than the WHO's limit, leading to the use of an anti-smog gun on a multi-purpose vehicle in an effort to reduce air pollution. With nine stations reporting an AQI of 500, the situation is even worse than the recorded 493.
The Supreme Court is set to address the pressing issue of air pollution in Delhi as the city records an AQI of 481, placing it in the 'severe' category. The court is acting on a plea raised by Senior Advocate Aprajita Singh, who has emphasized the urgency of the situation. The government has implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, which includes restrictions on construction and demolition activities and possible implementation of Odd-Even restrictions.
As winter sets in, North India is facing a hazardous rise in air pollution, with several cities recording ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ air quality. Delhi, the nation’s capital, is currently covered in thick smog, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach dangerous levels. In response, the Delhi administration has implemented anti-pollution measures and advised vulnerable populations to limit outdoor activities. While some cities, such as Patna and Lucknow, also faced ‘very poor’ air quality, others like Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad saw ‘moderate’ or even ‘satisfactory’ levels.
With the air quality in Delhi remaining in a 'severe' category for the past five days, the Centre's panel has decided to impose stage-4 restrictions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from Monday. These measures will include a discontinuation of physical classes for all students except for class 10 and 12, and implementing online classes until further notice. This decision comes after the air quality index (AQI) crossed the 450-mark, prompting the authorities to take stricter anti-pollution measures.
Despite a government ban on fireworks, the AQI in Delhi rose to 362 the day after Diwali, with widespread noise and firecracker violations reported. Delhi hospitals treated over 280 burn injuries, while the Delhi Fire Service responded to over 300 fire-related calls, the highest in 13 years. With upcoming cooler temperatures, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and may require further measures for pollution control as winter approaches.
In the spirit of Diwali, a son in Bengaluru gifted his mother an iPhone 15, surprising her with the latest edition of the popular device. This heart-warming moment was a dream come true for the son, who had always wanted to give his mother an iPhone, especially since she had been using an old and struggling phone for the past four years. Despite the Delhi government's ban on firecrackers, many areas in east and west Delhi reportedly violated the ban, leading to a severe dip in air quality. Similarly, Mumbai also saw a decline in air quality, with nine stations recording 'poor' levels, emphasizing the need for responsible and eco-friendly festivities.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a crucial number that indicates the level of air pollution in a given area, based on various pollutants. In New Delhi, the AQI significantly worsened after the celebration of Diwali, despite a ban on firecrackers. However, factors such as cooler weather and the burning of crop residue in nearby states also contribute to the dip in air quality. The AQI, launched in India in 2014, helps the public and government understand the condition of the air and take necessary measures to combat it.
As Diwali celebrations come to a close, Delhi residents wake up to poor air quality with an AQI of 361 in the "very poor" category. Despite a ban on firecrackers, reports reveal widespread violations in both east and west Delhi. The city saw a significant increase in air and noise pollution compared to last year, largely attributed to unfavorable weather conditions, stubble burning, and vehicular emissions. The Delhi Fire Services received 78 calls regarding fire incidents on Diwali evening, with two people injured in a bus fire caused by firecrackers.
Aam Aadmi Party leaders accused BJP goons of trying to attack former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during his padyatra in West Delhi's Vikaspuri. The Supreme Court has asked the Delhi High Court to quickly hear the bail plea of Sharjeel Imam, who was booked under UAPA for his involvement in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality showed some improvement with AQI in the 'poor' category, but 10 monitoring stations still reported 'very poor' air quality.
A blast occurred outside CRPF School in Prashant Vihar, Delhi causing damage to nearby shops and cars but no injuries. Delhi's air quality remains in the "poor" category with an AQI of 265. Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters are set to protest at Ladakh Bhawan, demanding a meeting with the country's top leadership. This comes after the Delhi Police commissioner's office withdrew prohibitory orders on public assembly, leading to the release of Wangchuk and others from detention.