The Supreme Court has announced that emergency measures under Stage 4 of the GRAP for air pollution in Delhi will continue until Monday, with exception to modifications related to schools. An explosion was reported near a PVR theatre in Prashant Vihar, followed by an attack on an ED team investigating a money laundering case. The national capital recorded an AQI of 310, placing it in the 'very poor' category, with Mundka reaching an alarming level of 373. The situation is now under control, but concerns for air quality and safety remain high in Delhi.
Delhi residents woke up to cleaner air as the city's air quality improved significantly on Thursday. Eminent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jitender Singh Shunty will join Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in a formal ceremony. In other news, the source apportionment study data for several cities, including Delhi, shows that dust from various sources was the major contributor to air pollution.
Former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal resumed his guard duty at the Takht Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib with increased security after a man attempted to shoot him during his religious sentence. The man, identified as former militant Narain Singh Chaura, will be produced in court on Wednesday. Badal's Z-plus security was also bolstered with uniformed security personnel present during his guard duty. Category: Environment Title: NCAP Study Shows Dust As Major Contributor to Pollution in Delhi, NCR The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has completed studies on air pollution sources in major cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), with data revealing dust as the primary contributor to PM10 pollution. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change shared this information with a House panel, along with measures being taken to reduce pollution in Delhi and the NCR region.
The Supreme Court has announced that all Stage 4 emergency measures to deal with Delhi's hazardous air quality will continue until at least Monday, with a review scheduled for December 2. In related news, an explosion near a theatre and an attack on Enforcement Directorate officials in Bijwasan serve as an alarming reminder of the severe consequences of the city's pollution crisis. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has issued notices on a PIL seeking the implementation of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in the national capital.
The thick layer of haze enveloping Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has resulted in an alarming increase in eye-related health problems. Due to the city's hazardous air conditions, there has been a surge in patients seeking treatment for eye diseases, with a 20-30% increase in the past fortnight. Eye specialists have warned that pollution is wreaking havoc on the body's most sensitive organ, and as long as the pollution levels remain high, it is crucial to take proper precautions while stepping outdoors. Dr Nidhi Sharma, a senior eye specialist, has shared 11 tips to safeguard your eyes during this hazardous period, including refraining from wearing contact lenses and avoiding eye makeup.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has slammed the central government for failing to address the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi. Citing statistics showing Delhi as the most polluted city in the world, Tharoor expressed concern over the government's lack of action despite years of warnings. With the city's air quality reaching hazardous levels, Tharoor called for immediate measures to improve the situation.
With Delhi and the NCR region facing severe air pollution levels, schools in Delhi and NCR have been closed and shifted to online classes for all students up to Class 12. The decision came after Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan was invoked in the NCR. This move has been followed by Tamil Nadu as well, with schools in five districts being closed due to heavy rainfall. However, the University of Delhi has refuted a fake circular announcing a winter holiday.
The Centre's pollution watchdog has revised the Graded Response Action Plan, mandating the closure of schools in Delhi and NCR districts under Stages 3 and 4. This decision was previously left to the discretion of state governments, but now the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has made it mandatory for Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar. This move comes after the Supreme Court's reprimand of CAQM for delaying the implementation of Stages 3 and 4 and emphasizing the immediate need for school closures across NCR.
With Delhi facing severe air pollution, the Delhi Metro has achieved a new milestone by carrying a record high of 78.67 lakh passengers on November 18. The Yellow Line saw the highest number of passengers at 20.99 lakh, followed by the Blue Line at 20.80 lakh. This increase in ridership is attributed to efforts by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to reduce private vehicle usage and improve air quality. Additionally, the DMRC is making extra trips during weekdays and passengers no longer have to stand in long queues for tickets.
The city of Delhi continues to struggle with severe air pollution, leading to an alarming rise in toxicity levels. The worsening weather conditions and reduced visibility are causing disruptions in daily life, with flight delays and slower road traffic. The authorities have implemented a new plan to combat the pollution, including school closures and advisories for residents. Stay updated on the latest news and weather updates through various media outlets and be prepared to take precautions to protect your health.